The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of
this list. Looking for something specific. Use
Control + F and search for it on this page.

Although many of these links no longer work, I believe that it is
important to be able to find that these stories have existed for
ferreting out existing or impending environmental problems. The
repercussions of pollution or overuse of a resource often takes a long
time for us to recognize and when we finally do, it is invaluable to be
able to track the history of various issues before they get to a tipping
point and became a crisis.

Also, much that mankind has done to change our environment was
accomplished without any knowledge of what the environment was like
before changing it, but maybe we will be able to heal our environmental
if we archive the news stories so we will be able to unravel the events
that led up to the disaster. Students, scientists, historians, and
citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an
issue back through time.

2015

2 Asian carp found in ponds near Toronto waterfront Conservation
officers catch two male grass carp, seen as a serious threat to the
Great Lakes, in Tommy Thompson Park. The hunt’s on for more. Asian
carp, reviled as the vanquishers of native aquatic species and seen posing
a huge ecological threat, have somehow found their way into Lake
Ontario. Two male fish, both fertile, were discovered this week in
contained ponds at Tommy Thompson Park near Toronto’s waterfront.
One fish, over a metre long and weighing almost 40 pounds, was found
Monday. The second one, a bit smaller, was caught Tuesday. However,
a federal official cautioned this is not an invasion. (July 28,
2015) The Star [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

DEC Completes
Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for New York State The
Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) action plan to
combat aquatic invasive species (AIS) and protect New York's natural
resources and economy will be implemented across New York State,
Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. DEC announced completion
of the Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan which provides a
statewide framework for the state and its partners to address the
threat presented by AIS. The plan updates the 1993 Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species Comprehensive Management Plan. "New York State has
experienced an increasing unwanted presence of aquatic invasive
species that have entered our cherished waters from Buffalo to Long
Island and in some of the state's more protective natural areas,"
said Commissioner Martens. "Invasive species threatens ecosystems,
outdoor recreation and water quality. We ask that New Yorkers remain
vigilant to guard against the introduction of aquatic invasive
species as DEC implements programs across the state to address this
problem. The new plan provides updated strategies to help this
effort." (July 17, 2015) The New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

Wooly bully The hemlock wooly adelgid is a tiny invasive pest,
similar to aphids, that preys on native and ornamental hemlock
trees. The bugs kill the trees needle by needle and limb by limb; an
unaddressed infestation can mean a slow death. This summer, a crew
from the state Department of Environmental Conservation is surveying
the state for new or expanded hemlock wooly adelgid sites. They
started in Western New York and will soon be searching for
infestations in the Finger Lakes region. But the adelgid has already
made its way into Monroe County. City workers have identified
early-stage infestations in some Mt. Hope Cemetery hemlocks, as well
as in trees near the Cobb's Hill reservoir, says Brian Liberti, the
city forester. (July 1, 2015)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

DEC's on the prowl for giant hogweed, in Ontario County and across
NY The giant weed is beautiful to look at — but can hurt bad if
you come in contact Summer is here, and so is giant hogweed — a
plant that can raise so much havoc the federal government has it on
its hit list. Coming in contact with the weed’s sap, in combination
with moisture and sunlight, can cause severe skin and eye
irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and blindness.
For the eighth year, state Department of Environmental Conservation
crews will be on the beat removing giant hogweed all across the
state. Two crews will go after the weed in Ontario County, where
technicians went last summer to remove the plant growing along
Naples Creek behind East Avenue in Naples. (June 26, 2015)
Penfield Post [more on
Invasive Species in our
area]

Canandaigua prepares to fight a tree-eater Canandaigua is
preparing for the invasion of the emerald ash borer, a tree-killing
beetle most present in June and July A tree-killing beetle chewing
its way through upstate New York and beyond is attracting the
attention of arborists, environmentalists and others concerned with
the health of the Finger Lakes region. The emerald ash borer, an
Asian beetle first discovered in New York state in 2009, infests
and kills all types of ash trees. “The emerald ash borer is not in
Canandaigua yet, but it will be eventually — no doubt about it,”
said Dick Gates, acting parks maintenance supervisor for the city of
Canandaigua. The invasive beetle, responsible for the destruction of
over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since its discovery in
Michigan in 2002, is now in communities around Canandaigua —
including Manchester in Ontario County and in a number of areas
around Rochester, particularly near the Thruway. (June 13, 2015)
Daily Messenger [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

FL-PRISM Update: Do Your Part to #Stoptheinvasion The Finger
Lakes region has more than 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails
for the avid and casual recreationist alike. Like bike parks such as
Tryon in Monroe County to Buttermilk Falls in Tompkins County, the
Finger Lakes region is home to many and a vacation destination for
the thousands who flock to the region each season. Letchworth State
Park and Watkins Glen State Park recently topped the USA
Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice award for Best State Park. A panel
of experts picked the initial 20 nominees and winners were
determined by popular vote. Letchworth State Park took highest
honors while Watkins Glen State Park had the third most popular
vote. People have a strong affection for our region and are willing
to hike, bike, and advocate for our region in all weather
conditions. In 2010, tourism alone accounted for 57,650 jobs and
$2.6 billion dollars for region; 4% was spent on recreation. (June
2, 2015) Happenings: the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on the
Finger Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

DEC wants to reduce swan population Rochester, N.Y. - The
beautiful, white mute swans that swim around the lakes and pond in
the Rochester area might not be there for much longer. The
population of these birds could largely disappear throughout upstate
New York, either by being moved or killed. Department of
Environmental Conservation said wild mute swans are taking over the
region and its proposed management plan calls to get rid of about
200 in upstate New York. (April 15, 2015)
WHAM Rochester [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian Carp Swarm South of Chicago As Consensus on Permanent Solution
Eludes Nation Bipartisan legislation proposed by Great Lakes
lawmakers last month calls for interim measures to keep Asian carp
and other invasive species from entering the lakes through Chicago.
But steep price tags and disagreement among interest groups is
blocking a long-term solution, according to lawmakers and regional
organizations. The legislation, introduced in the U.S. House of
Representatives and the Senate, proposes to strengthen invasive
species barriers at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines
River near Chicago. (March 11, 2015)
Circle of Blue [more on
Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Town of Canandaigua considers invasive species plan The
Canandaigua Town Board may vote Monday night on a pilot program
proposed for the Old Brookside property. CANANDAIGUA — The
Town Board on Monday night will consider a proposal to combat
invasive species on donated land in the Old Brookside neighborhood.
A plan to rid 4.45 acres of poison ivy, European buckthorn,
crabapple and other invasive plants was introduced to the board in
November. The site is part of 60 acres of land, which town officials
see being used for a trail. (February 7, 2015)
Gates-Chili Post [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

Survey finds invasive snail in Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River that
could threaten waterfowl New research has found a larger
presence of faucet snails in the Great Lakes than previously
recognized, including the northern parts of Lake Ontario and the St.
Lawrence River. The invasive species can carry three types of
intestinal parasites that can injure and kill waterfowl such as
ducks. “That’s a major concern for wildlife,” said Ely Kosnicki, an
aquatic invertebrate ecologist at SUNY Brockport, one of the many
universities and agencies that took part in the research. “When you
have a higher presence of snails, there’s a higher risk.” When the
waterfowl eat the snails, the parasites attack internal organs,
causing lesions and hemorrhage. Birds affected by the snail will fly
and dive erratically before their eventual death. (January 19, 2015)
Watertown Daily Times
[more on Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian carp may be creeping closer to Great Lakes DNA found in
river near Lake Michigan WASHINGTON – It appears that the Asian
carp, the high-flying, habitat-destroying invader that has infested
the rivers of the Midwest, may be closer than ever to infiltrating
the Great Lakes. Releasing data that it compiled last October, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it had found bighead or silver
carp DNA throughout the Chicago area waterway system, long seen as
the most likely gateway for the invasive fish to enter the Great
Lakes. Perhaps most significantly, the study found Asian carp DNA
near a lock in the Chicago River that’s less than one city block
from Lake Michigan. Presence of the DNA does not necessarily mean
that live Asian carp are now on Lake Michigan’s doorstep, but the
latest findings lead environmentalists to say that the Asian carp
threat now looks more imminent than ever before. (January 16, 2015)
The Buffalo News [more on
Great Lakes and Invasive
Species in our area]

FLPRISM Update: Fighting The Curve Prevention is the best and
first line of defense when it comes to managing invasive species,
but even the best prevention efforts will be unable to stop all
invasive species from becoming established in a given area. Early
detection and rapid response (EDRR) increases the likelihood that
invasions will be controlled while populations are still localized
and at low levels that can more easily be contained and eradicated.
Once an invasive species becomes well established, it is
significantly more difficult and expensive to control (Figure 1). In
many cases, once a species reaches that point, all that may be
possible is a lessening of their negative impacts. (January 1, 2015)
Happenings: the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

2014

Invasive snail population grows in the Great Lakes Waterfowl
die-offs cause concerns With the focus on Asian carp in recent
years, some Great Lakes researchers fear the scientific community is
losing sight of much smaller invaders from other continents that
also pack a big punch. One in particular is the tiny faucet snail. A
native of Europe, it has parasites that kill waterfowl such as
ducks, scaup, and coots, the latter of which is a bird that
Toledoans and others across North America affectionately call the
mud hen. If you haven’t heard of the faucet snail, you’re not alone.
Only a half-inch long and taking on the look of an ordinary snail,
it has somehow kept a low-enough profile to elude many experts for
decades, even though U.S. Geological Survey records show it was
likely introduced into Lake Michigan back in 1870, presumably via
ship ballast water. Now, as part of a massive five-year study in
which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is spending $10
million to have 10 universities assess the health of Great Lakes
coastal wetlands, researchers are learning the faucet snail is
expanding its range across the region. (December 21, 2014)
The Toledo Blade [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

Cuomo vetoes bill to halt eradication of mute swans Gov. Andrew
Cuomo has vetoed a bill that would have put a halt to state plans to
eradicate a species of swan. Cuomo vetoed the measure late Wednesday
that called for a moratorium on the state Department of
Environmental Conservation's proposed management plan for mute
swans. In December 2013, the DEC released a draft plan that called
for eradication of the swans, which the agency says is an invasive
species. There are an estimated 2,200 free-ranging mute swans in New
York. The DEC said the birds cause damage to certain habitats and
can be aggressive toward people, among other negative impacts.
(December 19, 2014)
Poughkeepsie Journal [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Restoring the balance Invasive species have mucked up Lake
Ontario's food webs; many scientists, environmentalists,
conservationists, and anglers have observed the disruptions
themselves. Take the alewife — a species of herring — which entered
the lake in the late 1800's via the Welland Canal and never left. In
time, the more aggressive fish pushed out the native lake cisco. As
the cisco population plummeted, the trout and salmon that fed on the
fish turned to alewife as their major food source, and the results
haven't been good. The predator fish like the alewife and grow fast
eating them. But an enzyme in the alewife causes nutritional
problems in the trout and salmon, which lead to reproductive
difficulties. But alewife populations are declining across the Great
Lakes — for reasons that aren't entirely clear — and nature is
starting to right some of the aquatic food webs, says Jeff Wyatt,
director of animal health and conservation at the Seneca Park Zoo.
And officials with the US Geological Survey see an opportunity to
help the cisco retake its niche in Lake Ontario. (December 17, 2014)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Wildlife and
Invasive Species in our area]

Destructive beetle in county parks The emerald ash borer has
been detected in Oatka Creek, Black Creek, and Genesee Valley parks.
It's a serious situation, officials say, because 20 percent of the
trees in Monroe County's parks are ash trees. The invasive beetle is
deadly to New York's native ashes. The county wants to get ahead of
the bugs and will develop a treatment plan for the ash trees in its
21 parks, says Mark Quinn, horticulturalist for the county Parks
Department. The effort will begin with an inventory of the trees in
the parks' mowed and maintained areas, he says. Funding for the work
will likely come from a $6,000 invasive species management grant.
During the inventory, county staff will record the GPS coordinates,
size, and condition of the trees, Quinn says. Ultimately, the county
wants to protect healthy, larger trees in key locations and remove
trees that could become hazards, he says. The inventory data will
help with those decisions. (December 3, 2014)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Plan
to rid land of invasives hits snag in Town of Canandaigua
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association is seeking to remove the
invasive vegetation and restore the land to its natural condition,
before it was used as farmland and abandoned in the early 1970s. The
$4,800 project, funds for which were raised by the organization,
would rid about four acres of land of poison ivy, European buckthorn
and other invasives and plant and seed natural trees and plants in
their stead. (November 25, 2014)
Daily Messenger [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Looking for quality firewood? Pay up Quality firewood has become
a hot commodity. Because of state regulations instituted to prevent
the spread of the emerald ash borer insect, wood cannot be moved
more than 50 miles, limiting the number of suppliers. Firewood can
only be imported into New York state or moved more than 50 miles
from its source within the state if it has been treated (heated to
at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 75 minutes) and labeled as "New
York Approved Treated Firewood/Pest-Free" by the producer, according
to state Department of Environmental Conservation officials. That's
more work and expense than many suppliers are willing to take on.
"That would be pretty costly for anyone who's got a wood lot and
wants to sell a little bit of firewood," said Don Peterson,
agriculture program leader for Monroe County Cooperative Extension.
November 13, 2014)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Biology Class Detects Invasive Bloody Red Shrimp in Cayuga Lake
Do you like shrimp? Well there is one type of shrimp that will make
you re-think your love of seafood. Commonly called the Bloody-red
shrimp (Hemimysis anomala), this crustacean has been found for the
first time in the waters of our very own Cayuga Lake. Map of Cayuga
Lake with 6 west-side and 5 east-side sampling sites labeled, noting
which sites demonstrated H. anomala and which did not. Do you like
shrimp? Well, there is one type of shrimp that will make you
re-think your love of seafood. Commonly called the Bloody-red
shrimp (Hemimysis anomala), this crustacean has been found for the
first time in the waters of our very own Cayuga Lake. The Bloody-red
shrimp is a non-native species originating from the Ponto-Caspian
region of Eastern Europe and Western Asia (Brown et al. 2012). It is
a crustacean, which is a large group of anthropods and includes
crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. The Bloody-red shrimp was transported
from its native region to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of
ships, and has spread to the St. Lawrence River, the Erie Canal,
Seneca Lake, and most recently, Cayuga Lake. November 3, 2014)
Happenings the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in our area]

HWS
Students Study the Establishment and Spread of Pale Swallow-wort
Our Invasion Biology class at Hobart and William Smith Colleges is
studying the establishment and ecological impacts associated with Cynanchum
rossicum, or Pale swallow-wort, and possible control of the vine.
Our class, mostly seniors and a few junior biology majors, traveled
to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge to design and run our own
experiments about this non-native species. The Pale swallow-wort is
established in the refuge, which offered a natural setting for our
class experiment. Pale swallow-wort is native to Europe and
non-native in the Finger Lakes region. This species is a perennial
(living more than two years) herbaceous vine. The seeds are located
in pods on the vine that are between 2-3 inches long. The pods of
the Pale swallow-wort are very similar to that of Milkweed, although
they are smaller. The seeds are also polyembryonic, meaning that
there is more than one plant that can grow from each seed. When
ripe, they open and seeds spread by wind with the help of a
parachute, similar to the dandelion. The combination of wind
dispersal and mass reproduction help to catalyze the spread of this
invasive vine. (November 3, 2014)
Happenings the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in our area]

Borers
branch out from ash trees Bad news in the bug department: The
emerald ash borer, a tiny, glitter-green insect from China expected
to kill virtually all ash trees in the eastern U.S. - unless they
are treated with expensive chemicals - may have a new target. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that the borer had attacked
the white fringe tree, which is in the same family as not only the
ash, but forsythia and lilac. Experts don't know quite what to make
of the find yet, other than that it is worrisome (November 6, 2014)
McClatchy DC [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Invasive species compound toxic algae risk Conventional wisdom
says western Lake Erie’s toxic algae is supported by commercial farm
runoff, animal manure, sewage spills, faulty septic tanks, and other
major sources of nutrients responsible for putting much of the
excessive phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. But that’s not the
whole story. As Great Lakes scientists probe deeper into the weeds
on this issue, they find such contributing factors as invasive
species and climate change also foster algal growth. Invasive
species and climate change don’t cause algal blooms, but they worsen
them. (November 3, 2014) The
Toledo Blade [more on Great Lakes,
Water Quality,
Invasive Species and
Climate Change in our area]

Emerald Ash Borer
Confirmed in Broome and Westchester Counties EAB Found as Part
of DEC's 2014 Trapping Program Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been
confirmed in Westchester and Broome counties by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Cornell and the USDA
Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Commissioner Joe
Martens announced today. The beetle was found in DEC-deployed traps
just north of the city of Peekskill in Westchester County, and
southeast of Binghamton in Broome County. The Peekskill find is just
outside the current state and Federal EAB quarantine which
encompasses all or part of 42 counties through central and western
NY, including Orange and Putnam. "DEC deployed the trap that
detected the EAB beetle as part of DEC's continuing Slow Ash
Mortality (SLAM) strategy, to slow the spread of EAB within the
state and mitigate its economic and environmental impacts," said
Commissioner Martens. "SLAM is an approach we're using in New York
to combat EAB and includes the removal of infested trees, defining
and monitoring infestation boundaries more precisely, researching
insecticides and organisms that kill the pest, and monitoring areas
not known to be infested for signs of EAB presence." EAB was first
detected in New York in the town of Randolph, Cattaraugus County, in
June 2009. With the confirmation of EAB in Westchester and Broome
counties, New York now has 24 counties where EAB has been found.
Most of the infested areas are small and localized while more than
98 percent of New York's forests and communities are not yet
infested. (November 3, 2014) The New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

DEC Releases Draft
Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for Public Comment
Public Comments Accepted Through December 15 The New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released its
Draft Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) strategy to prevent the
introduction and spread of AIS in New York State for public comment.
Comments will be accepted through December 15. Aquatic Invasive
Species threaten the ecology of New York's rich abundance of waters
and can harm water-based recreational opportunities and economies.
New York is particularly vulnerable to AIS due to its vast marine
and fresh water resources, major commercial ports and the easy
access that ocean-going vessels have to the Great Lakes via the
State's canal system. Managing an infestation is extremely costly,
so prevention is the most cost-effective strategy. (October 29,
2014) The New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

NY plan to stop spread of aquatic invasive species New York
environmental officials are accepting public comments on their plan
to check the spread of aquatic invasive species. The draft plan is
an update from 1993 and includes actions designed to prevent,
detect, and respond to non-native species that can harm the ecology
of New York's lakes and waterways. Among other things, the state
proposes a public awareness campaign and expanding the boat launch
steward program. (October 30, 2014)
North Country
Public Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Tree pests found at both ends of NY New infestations by
two devastating forest pests have been detected at opposite ends of
New York state, endangering pines in Long Island and hemlocks in a
rugged canyon south of Buffalo. A Cornell Cooperative Extension
scientist discovered a tree infested by hemlock woolly adelgid this
fall in Deer Lick Conservation Area in Cattaraugus County. It was
the first appearance in western New York of the insect that has
devastated hemlocks in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. The state
Department of Environmental Conservation said Wednesday it plans to
treat the infested trees and 600 surrounding trees with two systemic
pesticides. The goal is to prevent the insect from spreading further
into the Zoar Valley, a scenic region of towering shale cliffs and
old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest featuring some of the largest
trees in the Northeast. (October 30, 2014)
Webster Post [more on
Invasive Species and
Climate Change in our area]

DEC Announces
Aggressive Plan to Prevent the Spread of Tree Invasive in Western
New York Through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy and
Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Department of Environmental
Conservation is taking action to prevent the spread of hemlock
woolly adelgid (or HWA) into the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and
Zoar Valley Unique Area, the agency announced today. "Hemlock is a
very important species ecologically, and we have seen the
devastation that the adelgid can cause in places like the Hudson
Valley, Catskills, the Finger Lakes, and neighboring states like
Pennsylvania," State Forester Rob Davies said. "DEC will act quickly
to protect these trees and knock HWA out of one of the most unique
areas of our state, and hopefully keep it out for a long time." This
September, Cornell scientist Mark Whitmore discovered a single tree
infested by Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), or HWA, in Deer
Lick Conservation Area, a Nature Conservancy property that is
adjacent to Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. Subsequent surveys by DEC
foresters revealed two more trees, almost directly across the south
branch of the Cattaraugus Creek from the first location. This is the
first HWA detection in western New York. (October 29, 2014)
The New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species and
Climate Change in our area]

Southern Pine
Beetle Confirmed For the First Time in New York State The New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in
cooperation with the United States Forest Service, the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Central Pine Barrens
Commission, today confirmed the presence of southern pine beetle
(SPB) in three locations along the southern shore of Long Island.
Personnel from each agency worked together to verify the presence of
this destructive beetle after the discovery of dead and dying pine
trees in portions of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge,
Connetquot River State Park and the Henry's Hollow Pine Barrens
State Forest. This is the first detection of SPB in New York State.
"The Long Island Pine Barrens is a unique and precious natural
resource which provides critical environmental, social, recreational
and economic benefits to Long Island residents and communities,"
said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "Its signature pitch pine
resource is seriously threatened by this newly discovered,
non-native insect. We are hopeful we have discovered this insect's
presence at an early stage and are committed to working with local,
State and Federal partners to determine the extent of the
infestation and minimize its spread and impacts." State Parks
Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "I encourage park visitors to
familiarize themselves with the signs of Southern Pine Beetle, and
report anything they see. The public's awareness and cooperation are
among the most effective ways to slow the spread of destructive
species." (October 29, 2014)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
[more on Invasive Species
and Climate Change in our area]

New Evidence of Mounting Asian Carp Invasion at Great Lakes
A new series of DNA analyses have revealed the possible beginnings
of an invasion of Lake Michigan, with evidence of Asian carp showing
up in a pair of Michigan tributaries. Earlier this month, a single
sample of silver carp DNA was identified in over 200 samples taken
from lower Kalamazoo River in Allegan County, Michigan. This worries
officials, who have never seen the carp's DNA in these waters
before. However, it remains unclear where the sample came from.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and
US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), genetic material could have
simply entered Michigan waters through boats, fishing gear,
or even bird droppings. However, if follow-up sampling finds more
evidence, they may very much be looking at the beginnings of a
long-feared invasion. (October 22, 2014)
Nature World News [more
on Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Invasive Species Causes the Decline in Ash Tree Population Ash
trees in the northeast and Midwest are under assault from an
invasive species. "The emerald ash borer is a non-native weevil from
Asiatic countries that has come in to the U.S. and is boring into
the outer bark of the ash trees. It’s causing the decline of the
species. It’s likely that the ash (tree) becomes extinct as a
result," said Clara Holmes, Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank. While
efforts continue to slow the spread of the borer and researchers try
to find an effective agent against it, ash tree seed collections are
being organized to keep the ash tree in our future. (October 20,
2014)
Time Warner News Rochester [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

New law to create fine for not cleaning boats Boaters who don’t
wash their boats before entering New York waterways will soon face
fines under a bill signed Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The new law,
which will take effect in one year, is meant to combat invasive
species like hydrilla, a fast-growing plant that can be found in the
Cayuga Lake inlet in Ithaca. Certain invasive plants, clams, mussels
and other species that can cause harm to waterways are often
transported between waterways by boats. “We all share a
responsibility to protect our natural environment, and this
legislation helps ensure that all who enjoy New York’s waters will
also do their part to limit the spread of different types of aquatic
life that would otherwise harm the local ecosystem,” Cuomo said in a
statement. (September 2, 2014)
Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

New Regulations
Seek to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species in New York State
DEC and Agriculture & Markets Issue Final Regulations to Address
Damage Caused by Invasive Species New state regulations will prevent
the introduction and spread of invasive species and help to preserve
New York's ecosystems, state Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The
regulations are the latest step in the state's efforts to combat
invasive species and were developed by DEC in cooperation with the
state Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM). "Invasive species
can cause serious harm to other species and impair natural
ecosystems," Commissioner Martens said. "These regulations will
establish strict limits to better control the spread of invasive
species and help to protect natural resources, habitats and
biological diversity, including trees, crops and native species that
are threatened by the presence of invasives." State Agriculture
Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Invasive species pose a serious
threat to New York agriculture, which is why we dedicate so much
time and energy to combat these non-native threats to our farms. We
are pleased to actively partner with DEC in these efforts to protect
our state's food supply, ecosystems and economy and will work to
ensure that these rules provide maximum protection for consumers and
all affected industries." (August 27, 2014)
The New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Outdoors: Controlling sea lamprey is vital task Two U.S. Fish &
Wildlife fisheries staffers visited Western New York waterways last
week and did some extensive surveys of stream waters, searching for
ammocetes, the early-stage larvae of sea lamprey, a dreaded aquatic
invader. Biologist Dave Keffer and biology sciences technician Ed
LaFuente surveyed for sea lamprey larvae mainly in Cattaraugus Creek
and found samples of these aquatic intruders at all five sites in
Seneca Nation of Indians waters as well the mouth of the waterway.
Keffer and LaFuente strap battery packs and electro-shocking units
on their backs and work positive and negative strainer-like wands
along mud-bottomed shallows in search of larvae that stage for one
to three years in silted areas of streams. The process looks
something like an outer space adventure; for Keffer, it approximates
that. (August 23, 2014) Buffalo
News [more on Invasive Species
in our area]

Invasive weed black swallow-wort spreads in Monroe Gardeners in
the Rochester region are seeing an emergence of an invasive plant.
Black swallow-wort, also known as cynanchum louiseae, is a weed in
the shape of a V and resembles a swallow's tail. Swallow-wort is
pervasive in Monroe County, says Hilary Mosher of Finger Lakes
PRISM, or Partnership for Invasive Species Management. Right now,
there is not a park in Monroe County where the black swallow-wort
cannot be found, says Walt Nelson of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
(August 22, 2014)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Species Spotlight: Hydrilla Hunters Needed in Seneca and Cayuga
County Lakeside Communities The Hydrilla
Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed has developed an active
and successful program to eradicate the hydrilla found in Cayuga
Inlet in August 2011. With an aggressive program of chemical
application and continual monitoring, there is no growing hydrilla
in the Inlet and the viable hydrilla tuber count in the sediments of
Cayuga Inlet has dropped steeply. The adjacent patch of hydrilla
found last summer in Ithaca’s Stewart Park waterways is now also
being treated and watched carefully. More information is available
here: http://www.stophydrilla.org
The early August 2013 discovery of a small but thriving patch in
Stewart Park, not far from the original successful treatment area,
has set off an alarm for many. We are concerned that hydrilla may
already be growing along the lake in other locations – the plants
having traveled via drift or by being entangled in boat and trailers
and dropped off at new locations. We need eyes on the water, along
the shoreline and off our docks – Hydrilla Hunters who know how to
identify hydrilla and where to report it. We also need to convey the
importance of cleaning boats and trailers of every single plant
segment, before and after a lake or waterway outing. (August 1,
2014) Happenings: the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Toxic weed — giant hogweed — found in Naples NAPLES — A
giant, noxious weed that likes the moist, lush land of the Finger
Lakes is majestic to see — and dangerous to touch. Giant hogweed,
growing at hundreds of sites statewide, is a huge, non-native,
invasive plant whose sap can cause painful burns, permanent scarring
and even blindness, according to the state Department of
Environmental Conservation. On Thursday, Sylvia Albrecht, a
technician with the DEC’s Giant Hogweed Program, removed 40 giant
hogweed plants along Naples Creek behind East Avenue in the village,
in addition to a plant on the opposite side of the creek along the
walking trail near the Ontario Street bridge. Wearing rubber boots,
gloves and protective clothes, Albrecht carefully cut off the
plants’ flowers, sealing them in plastic bags, and dug up and
severed the roots of the plants. The cluster of 40 that were within
about 20 feet of the creek indicate giant hogweed seeds are floating
from a source upstream. (July 25, 2014)
Daily Messenger [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Pool Owners Sought
to Participate in Citizen Science Survey to Identify Invasive
Insects Monitoring Pool Filters for Asian Longhorned Beetles Can
Prevent Infestation and Help Protect Trees and Forests Pool owners
are invited to join in the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) third annual Asian longhorned
beetle (ALB) Swimming Pool Survey now through August 29 in order to
help keep watch for these exotic, invasive beetles before they cause
serious damage to our forests and street trees. The Citizen Pool
Survey takes place this time of year when ALBs are expected to
become adults, emerge from the trees they are infesting and become
active outside those trees. Earlier this month, Governor Andrew M.
Cuomo issued a proclamation designating New York's first ever
Invasive Species Awareness Week to educate New Yorkers on the ALB
and other invasive species that can be harmful to human health,
animal habitat, agriculture and tourism. The Swimming Pool Survey
continues those education efforts and allows residents to actively
engage in the efforts to stop the spread of ALB. (July 24, 2014)
The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Species Spotlight: Invasive Species Are On The Move; Everyone Can
Help Stop Their Spread This year marks the first Invasive
Species Awareness Week in New York State and the Finger Lakes region
is poised and ready with a lineup of great activities and events to
mark the occasion. Some of the greatest harm to our environment and
agriculture is caused by invasive plants and animals—organisms that
have been accidentally or intentionally introduced to new areas and
spread uncontrollably. Invasive Species Awareness Week promotes
opportunities for citizens to learn about the most threatening
species and ways to prevent and manage their spread. Everyone is
encouraged to participate in Awareness Week activities to learn
about important steps to take to protect their favorite places. The
line-up of events in the Finger Lakes region includes an array of
interactive activities such as an invasive species teacher training
at the Finger Lakes Institute, Hydrilla Task Force public update
meeting and water chestnut pull. The full schedule of events is
online at http://nyis.info/blog.
Most events are free, but pre-registration may be requested.
(July 1, 2014)
Happenings the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute {more on
Invasive Species in our area]

CSI: invasive species The Erie Canal revolutionized
transportation and commerce by giving farmers and merchants a
cheaper, easier way to move goods across the state. The present-day
canal is primarily a recreational waterway, though it might also be
taking on a new, undesirable role as a pathway for the spread of
aquatic invasive species between some state waters, including the
Great Lakes. That's why Nature Conservancy researchers are on the
canal this summer, collecting water samples. The samples, which will
be location-tagged, will be tested to see if they contain DNA
markers that match up with known genetic sequences from some key
invasives, such as Asian carp, northern snakehead, killer shrimp,
Asian clam, and hydrilla. (July 2, 2014)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Spiny water flea poised to invade Lake Champlain Spiny water
flea isn't actually a flea at all. It's an invasive zoplankton that
cuts down on food supply for fish and annoys anglers. Spiny water
flea's in the Great Lakes. In 2008, it made its way to Great
Sacandaga Lake, and then to Lake George in 2012. Now, it's headed
for Lake Champlain. Timothy Mihuc directs the Lake Champlain
Research Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh. He says it’s just a matter
of time before spiny water flea invades Lake Champlain. "Chances
are there are some organisms that have made it into to Lake
Champlain we just haven’t established a population yet." Mihuc says
the canal system that connects the Hudson River and the lake is
"full of spiny water fleas. And this year, we documented a big
expansion in that population in the feeder canal." (July 1, 2014)
North Country
Public Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Species Spotlight: iMapInvasives: An Effective Tool for Invasive
Species Management The branch had a speckling of white on its
underside at the nodes, where the needles meet the branch. The white
specks looked like caked-on flour or splotches of latex paint. Our
suspicion, which we later confirmed, was that we had hemlock woolly
adelgid on our hands and consequently, in our park. This is the
point in my story where early detection tools become essential in
the fight against invasive species. Had I installed my iMapInvasive
software onto my smartphone, I would have been able to mark the
coordinates of the observation and determine that this was the first
sighting in the park. I would have also been able to conclude that
there are only three other reported sightings within Monroe County.
I would further deduce that we might need to get some volunteer
hemlock hunters to establish how extensive this invasion is gripping
the park and county. (June 1, 2014)
Happenings the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Exploration and Education: Invasive Species Identified! Invasive
Species Identified: Exploring ways teachers and students can become
invasive species citizen scientists! Join the Finger Lakes Institute
and Finger Lakes PRISM in a hands-on exploration of terrestrial and
aquatic invasive species for this summer’s FLI Teacher Training
being held July 7-9, 2014. Teachers will learn about the history of
these “invaders” in the Finger Lakes region and their harmful
effects on local ecosystems, native species, regional economics and
human health. Hands-on training will be provided for field
identification of common terrestrial and aquatic invasives. Teachers
will also learn to use the online, GIS-based citizen science mapping
tool called iMapInvasives. An example application can be found here.
Field identification techniques and mapping skills will be used
create classroom-appropriate citizen science project models and
curriculum, a great way to engage students in STEM learning! (June
1, 2014)
Happenings the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Updated Plans to
Protect the Great Lakes from Invasive Species Announced
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee
(ACRCC) today announced the release of an updated Monitoring and
Response Plan (MRP) intended to protect the Great Lakes from Asian
carp, and to prevent the invasive fish species from developing
self-sustaining populations in the Great Lakes. For the first time
the MRP is being released concurrently with a summary of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes eDNA Monitoring Program. The
MRP outlines actions for the 2014 field season focused on monitoring
and removal of Asian carp downstream of the Electric Barrier System
in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) and the upper Illinois
Waterway, and on-going evaluations of the effectiveness of barriers
and gears used in keeping Asian carp from establishing in the CAWS
and Lake Michigan. “The 2014 Monitoring and Response Plan, continues
to build off past efforts to protect the Great Lakes by using past
data and results to focus attention on actions that achieve the
greatest results,” said Kevin Irons, Co-Chair of the ACRCC
Monitoring Workgroup. (June 4, 2014)
Asian Carp Regional Coordinating
Committee [more on Great
Lakes and Invasive Species
in our area]

New State
Regulations Target Aquatic Invasive Species Boaters Using DEC
Lands to Launch Boats or Other Watercraft Are Now Required To Clean
and Drain Boats Prior to Launch As part of an aggressive effort to
prevent invasive species from entering and damaging New York water
bodies, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
today adopted new regulations that require boaters to remove all
visible plant and animal materials from boats, trailers and
associated equipment, and to drain boats prior to launching from DEC
lands. The regulations, which are effective today, pertain to all
DEC boat launches, fishing access sites and other DEC lands where
watercraft such as boats, kayak or canoes, can be launched into the
water. "New York State continues to work with its state, local,
federal and environmental partners to protect water bodies from
destructive invasive species," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said.
"Boats, trailers and associated equipment are common pathways for
spreading aquatic invasive species. These new regulations will help
reinforce the message that boaters need to clean their equipment of
any clinging plant and animal materials and drain their boats prior
to launching at lands administered by DEC." (June 5, 2014)
The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Local policy revision spares non-aggressive mute swans Fewer
mute swans on a small west Michigan lake will be killed after a
survey found support for removing only those that are aggressive.
Ganges and Clyde townships had allowed state permits for killing the
invasive bird on Hutchins Lake near Holland, said Scott Clark, a
board member of the Hutchins Lake Improvement Association. The issue
of controlling the species is controversial and
the association is trying to reach an agreement with pro and anti-
swan advocates. Since 2010, mute swans have expanded exponentially
in Michigan, said Barbara Avers, a state waterfowl and wetland
specialist. The population grew about 9 percent to 10 percent
annually and needed to be controlled, she said. (May 27, 2014)
Great Lakes Echo [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

DEC Announces
Fourth Annual Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Residents Urged
to Become Aware of Emerald Ash Borer and Report Infestations to DEC
The fourth annual Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week will be
held from May 18 - May 24, 2014, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. In observance of
EAB Awareness Week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation
urging all New Yorkers to exercise environmental stewardship to
protect trees from infestation that can be devastating to
landscapes, habitats and forest product industries. State residents
and visitors are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the
emerald ash borer and the destruction it causes to trees. "DEC's
Forest Health program protects publicly and privately held forests
from forest pests, and the public is an important partner in the
constant battle to keep New York's trees healthy," said Commissioner
Joe Martens. "EAB Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight and
encourage New Yorkers to look for and report signs of infestations
in an effort to mitigate the negative impacts of this destructive
beetle." (May 16, 2014) The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more
in Invasive Species in our
area]

Asian Carp continues to threaten Great Lakes aquatic life The
head of a local anglers' association says the presence of Asian Carp
in Lake Michigan poses a significant threat to the native fish
populations within the Great Lakes system. Dick Bornais,
president of the Bluewater Anglers recently addressed the annual
meeting of the Lambton County Rural Game Protective Association,
held recently at the Fred Thomas Hall in Thedford. Bornais
pointed out that a number of years ago seven species of carp, all of
which are native to Asia, were introduced into the United States.
However, he said two in particular, the Big Head Carp and the
Silver Carp, are considered invasive and pose a significant threat
to the Great Lakes eco-system. "They are an ugly fish with
large heads and can grow to fairly heavy weights," he said, adding
that Silver Carp, in particular, are prolific breeders and gobble up
huge amounts of plankton, which are tiny plants and animals that
comprise the primary food source for most fish species. Asian
carp were first imported to the U.S. from Asia during the 1970s to
control algae and unwanted plants in controlled settings, such as
sewage treatment lagoons. (May 6, 2014)
seaforthehuron expositor [more on
Great Lakes and Invasive
Species in our area]

NY bans hunting of invasive pig ALBANY – A statewide ban on the
hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boars has been
officially adopted, the state Department of Environmental
Conversation Commissioner Joe Martens announced Monday. The boars
first arrived in this country a few hundred years ago and now have
large populations in the southern U.S. Recently, the boars have been
seen in more northern states. At least six New York counties —
Tioga, Cortland, Onondaga, Clinton, Sullivan, and Delaware — have
confirmed sightings of the boars, the state said. To date, more than
150 boars have been captured and destroyed by the DEC and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services. (April 28, 2014)
Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Battle over ballast water New United States regulations on
ballast water in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes system discriminate
against Canadian shippers, says Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown The
Conservative MP is getting some support on Capitol Hill in a
campaign to reform the restrictions recently put in place by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Eleven members of the U.S.
House of Representatives have signed a letter to EPA administrator
Gina McCarthy expressing concerns that the new ballast water
regulations “may have a negative impact on the Great Lakes economy.”
The new EPA ballast water rules, which took effect January 1,
require the use of ballast water treatment systems to limit the
spread of aquatic invasive species. Ballast water is taken on by
ships to balance loads. The bipartisan letter follows lobbying by
Brown, a co-chairman of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary
Group, and the group’s vice-chairman, Conservative MP Rick Dykstra,
who represents St. Catharines. The representatives argue the
technology needed to comply with the Great Lakes ballast water
performance standards does not yet exist. (April 23, 2014)
Recorder.Ca [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian carp could be rebranded as cuisine EAST PEORIA, Ill. (AP)
— The swarms of Asian carp that infest the Illinois River may not
want to hear this, but they're good to eat. Clint Carter from
Carter's Fish Market in Springfield demonstrated that as he prepared
a carp taste test on Tuesday at Dixon Seafood Shoppe, 1807 W. Main
St. in East Peoria. After demonstrating how to slice a boneless
filet off the whole fish, Carter fried up samples in Dixon's
kitchen. "I'm trying to find ways to get people to enjoy this fish,"
he said. Taking note of Carter's preparations were Mike White of
Whitey's BBQ in East Peoria and Jeff Westbay of the Bass Pro Shop,
both planning to take part in the first annual Flying Fish Festival
planned on the Illinois River here July 11-12. Along with a
bowfishing tournament expected to draw some of the country's top
archers to target the high-flying fish, the festival will also offer
Asian carp food samples, said John Hamann, rural economic
development director for Peoria County. (April 11, 2014)
Herald-Review [more on Great Lakes
and Invasive Species in our
area]

Despite winter’s might, ash borer treatment urged Sure, it was a
long, cold, miserable winter, but there’s at least one creature that
didn’t care the invasive emerald ash borer, which is munching its
way through ash trees throughout the region and the state. An
assortment of tree experts point out that the insect migrated to
Indiana by way of Michigan, a state hardly known for its warm
winters. But they also note that early April is a good time to apply
a preventative pesticide, or apply the chemicals to ash trees in the
early stages of infestation. It might be enough to save the tree,
experts said. “The cold weather will knock out the population some,
but not enough to think we’re safe,” said Nikky Witkowski,
horticultural educator with the Lake County extension service.
(April 6, 2014) Post-Tribune
[more on Invasive Species and
Climate Change in our area]

Lawmakers want quicker action on blocking Asian Carp A group of
U.S. senators wants the federal government to move faster on
preventing Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes through
waterways in the Chicago area.
Eleven senators from states in the region sent a letter Tuesday
to the assistant secretary of the Army, whose office oversees the
Army Corps of Engineers. The letter asks a series of questions about
when the Corps might begin tasks such as adding barriers at the
southernmost lock in the Chicago Area Waterway System. (March 20,
2014) Public Radio 90 WMNU [more on
Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

St. Lawrence County officials prepare for emerald ash borer invasion
WADDINGTON — When it comes to the destruction of the north country’s
ash trees by the invasive emerald ash borer, it’s a question of not
if but when, according to a St. Lawrence County environmental
committee. The glittering green beetle, which is about half an inch
long, has moved across the U.S. since it first was found near
Detroit, Mich., in 2002. It has since spread to 22 states and two
Canadian provinces, killing more than 100 million trees in the
process. And it is now closing in on St. Lawrence County. The St.
Lawrence County Environmental Management Council, a 15-member
advisory board to the county Board of Legislators, as well as
several other organizations, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension,
are monitoring the insect’s progression closely. (March 11, 2014)
Watertown Daily Times
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Great Lakes Freezing: Emerald Ash Borer and Other Invasives
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Emerald
Ash Borer has been found in 22 states nationwide, including
Michigan. The insect can infest and kill a healthy ash tree within
two years, so how will this voracious critter hold up to the frigid
temperatures that prevailed this winter? MyNorth’s Evan Perry
chatted with Duke Elsner—an entomologist and educator with Michigan
State University’s Extension program in Grand Traverse County—to
find out. (March 11, 2014) My North
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Study: Grass carp pose dangers for all the Great Lakes
Traverse City— Plant-gorging grass carp probably could survive in
all of the Great Lakes, scientists said Monday, adding that if the
fish get established, they might significantly damage the
environment. The fight to prevent Asian carp from reaching inland
seas has focused primarily on bighead and silver carp, which eat
huge amounts of plankton, the foundation of aquatic food chains.
They have infested much of the Mississippi River basin and are
threatening to reach the Great Lakes through rivers and canals,
leading the government to spend more than $200 million on measures
to keep them out. Grass carp have drawn less attention because they
feed on plants, including nuisance weeds that choke boat motors and
overwhelm native vegetation. Introduced in the U.S. in 1963 for pond
and lake maintenance, the fish were distributed widely with the
blessing of state and federal agencies; they’ve now been reported in
45 states. (March 10, 2014)
Detroit News [more on Great Lakes
and Invasive Species in our
area]

Invasive Asian Carp Found Breeding in "Surprising" Location The
notorious fish has been found in the upper Mississippi. One of the
most reviled invasive fish in North America has been unexpectedly
found in the upper Mississippi River, raising concern about its
spread, federal scientists announced Tuesday. The invasive Asian
carp has been breeding and spreading across the U.S. for more
than 20 years, "but we were surprised that they got up so far," says
Cindy Kolar, a science adviser on invasive species for the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS). On Tuesday, USGS said its scientists found
Asian carp eggs, including late-stage embryos nearly ready to hatch,
in samples taken in 2013 from the upper Mississippi River in
Lynxville, Wisconsin. That's 250 river miles (400 kilometers)
upstream of their previously known reproductive populations. (March
11, 2014) National
Geographic [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Great Lakes Commission calls for immediate action on interbasin
transfer of Asian carp Washington, D.C. – Today the Great Lakes
Commission called for immediate action on a suite of near-term
measures to reduce the risk of interbasin transfer of Asian carp and
other invasive species at the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS).
The action is in response to the January 2014 release of the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) report by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We need short-term risk reduction for
the Great Lakes and we need this to happen as soon as possible,”
said Commission Chairman Kenneth G. Johnson, water division
administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
(March 5, 2014) Great Lakes Commission [more on
Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Winter’s freeze stopped ash borers and stink bugs cold, but they’re
primed for a comeback This winter is a real killer. The deep
freeze, with arctic blasts from the polar vortex, has put invasive
insects on ice in dozens of states. That includes the emerald ash
borer, a pretty bug that does ugly things to ecosystems it invades.
Up to 80 percent of the ash borers died when January temperatures
dipped below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit in St. Paul, Minn.,
according to an estimate by U.S. Forest Service biologists, who have
been conducting studies on
the impact of cold weather on the bugs for the past three years.
Their estimates were affirmed when state researchers found that
nearly 70 percent of ash borers collected from infected trees in the
Twin Cities area last month were frozen stiff — a good thing for ash
trees that adorn communities and provide smooth, durable wood used
for flooring, bowling alleys, church pews, baseball bats and
electric guitars. (March 3, 2014)
Washington Post [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

NY senator pens bill banning mute swan slaughter ALBANY — A
state senator from Queens is trying to stop the slaughter of mute
swans proposed by the state Department of Environmental
Conservation. A bill introduced last week by Sen. Tony Avella would
put a two-year moratorium on DEC’s plan to eradicate all 2,200 wild
mute swans in the state by 2025. (February 18, 2014)
LoHud.com [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Ash borer creeping along in Monroe County Like many Monroe
County communities, the Village of Fairport has a long-term plan to
address the threat the emerald ash borer poses to its ash tree
population. A few years ago, the village identified a number of ash
trees susceptible to infestation by the invasive beetle, says
Fairport Tree Board chair Ken Rohr. Every year since, crews have
removed some of the trees; a total of 127 will be removed over a
10-year period, Rohr says. Waiting until the trees become infested
by the borer could have meant a big hit for the village budget, he
says. The board also identified 70 younger, healthy trees it
believed would survive with treatment, Rohr says. But the borer
hasn't arrived in Fairport, he says, so the village isn't going to
remove any trees this year. (February 13, 2014)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

DEC proposal to kill invasive swans drawing protests Most
people think swans are beautiful. But the agreement seems to end
there, when it comes to a new state plan to manage them. A proposal
by the Department of Environmental Conservation to kill invasive
mute swans isn't flying with some animal lovers. Mute swans are the
most familiar swan species to most people. They’re big and white,
with black and orange bills. They’re less vocal than other swans,
which is how they got their name. In the 1800s, people captivated by
their looks brought them from Europe and Asia to North America to
adorn ponds and gardens. But over time, they’ve moved into the wild,
and now biologists say they pose a threat to native wildlife. For
one thing, they eat a lot. (February 13, 2014)
North Country Public
Radio [more on Wildlife and
Invasive Species in our area]

Jane Milliman: Extreme cold vs. bugs and plants There has been
quite a lot of buzz recently about what our recent cold snap could
mean for horticulture’s current public enemy number one, the Emerald
Ash Borer. We won’t know for sure until spring, but there is a
chance that the population could have been knocked back a bit, at
least providing us with some more time to prepare for the inevitable
onslaught. The same is true of the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, a pest
that has been creeping north lately with the rising average
temperatures. But what about good bugs, and what about our treasured
plants? Hive insects, like bees, probably won’t be affected, as they
live together in their own little self-heated enclaves. For that
matter, any plant or animal that normally survives in our area —
even our low temperature this year of -6 F is still normal for zone
6a — is going to be just fine. But if during the past few years you
have been successfully overwintering something not hardy here, like
a banana tree for instance, your luck has probably run out. (January
18, 2014) Rochester
Democrat and Chronicle [more on
Invasive Spices in our area]

Corps criticized at meeting for slow pace on carp issue Kaptur:
Delay does disservice to Great Lakes CLEVELAND — U.S. Rep. Marcy
Kaptur (D., Toledo) got a round of applause on Thursday when she
criticized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the time it took
reporting to Congress the most viable ways to fend off Asian carp
from the Great Lakes. “I wish I could say the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers understands the importance and urgency of the situation,
but — alas — that does not seem to be the case,” said Miss Kaptur,
the ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Water Committee that
oversees the Corps’ budget. “Indeed, the Corps of Engineers was
negligent in addressing this issue. It took a bill in Congress to
wake up the Corps from its hibernation. The Corps has done this
region a disservice in failing to make a firm recommendation about
the best course of action to prevent an Asian carp invasion. When
the going got tough, the Corps — for whatever reason — punted,” she
said at a public meeting inside the Cleveland Public Library
auditorium. (January 17, 2014)
The Toledo Blade [more on
Invasive Species and Climate
Change in our area]

New
rules pitched for boaters to combat aquatic hitchhikers The
state proposes new regulations in the fight against a slew of
invasive species. The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation proposes new regulations to prevent the
intrusion and spread of aquatic invasive species at state boat
launches, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced Thursday. Proposed
changes require boaters to remove all visible plants and animals
from boats, trailers and associated equipment and to drain boats
before launching at or leaving a DEC boat launch or waterway access.
DEC will accept public comments on the proposal through Feb. 24,
2014. The full text of the proposed regulation is at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.
(January 9, 2014) Daily Messenger
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Report Doesn't Resolve Debate Over Great Lakes The debate over
how to protect the Great Lakes from voracious Asian carp appeared no
closer to settlement Tuesday following release of a federal report
with options that could cost billions and require extensive
re-engineering of Chicago's busy waterway network. Wrapping up a
study that began in 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers put
forward eight options for preventing the carp and other invasive
species from slipping between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River
watersheds. The choices range from doing nothing new to undertaking
massive construction projects to separate the two systems.
Government officials, scientists and advocacy groups agree on the
need for fast action to prevent bighead and silver carp from gaining
a foothold in the Great Lakes, where they could destabilize
ecosystems and a $7 billion fishing industry. The federal government
has spent about $200 million on interim measures such as operating
an electric fish barrier in a Chicago-area shipping canal linking
Lake Michigan to the carp-infested Illinois River, a tributary of
the Mississippi. (January 8, 2013)
ABC News [more on Great Lakes
and Invasive Species in our
area]

Protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp For the past few
years, the US Army Corps of Engineers has been preparing a plan to
stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species from
Mississippi River basin waters into the Great Lakes. The
report, released Monday, lays out seven possible approaches
toward that goal, as well as a "no action" scenario. The seven
alternatives call for some varied combination of measures to stop
the spread of invasives including fish, crustaceans, aquatic plants,
and microorganisms. The corps' proposals include gates, electric
barriers, chemical treatment of water, boat inspections, and storm
water infrastructure to prevent flooding. The specific measures and
where they'd be put into place depends on the option. But the report
doesn't recommend one option over another. It lists the estimated
cost of each project — the most expensive is pegged at $18.4 billion
— and the estimated time frame in which each could be completed. A
few of the options could take 25 years to complete. (January 7,
2014) Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Great Lakes
and Invasive Species in our
area]

Tab to keep Asian carp out of Great Lakes could hit $18 billion,
federal report says WASHINGTON — The Army Corps of Engineers
released Monday its long-awaited report on options for keeping
Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, with some of the most
potentially effective alternatives possibly taking decades to
implement and costing up to $18 billion. The Corps’ 232-page report
— formally the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study — took an
exhaustive look not only at two species lumped together as Asian
carp, but at 11 other aquatic nuisance species of fish, grasses and
other threats that could cause damage by spreading from the river
watershed to the Great Lakes or vice versa. Congress first asked the
Corps for a study into how to keep voracious species of non-native
fish known as Asian carp, found in Chicago-area waterways, from
reaching Lake Michigan seven years ago. But the report, while
outlining options for physical separation, special locks and gates,
and chemical agents, stopped short of recommending one (January 7,
2014) Detroit Free Press [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

Confirmed: Band-Aid Approach Won’t Keep Asian Carp Out of Great
Lakes The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified physically
separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds as the
most effective way to prevent aquatic
invasive species like Asian carp from moving between the two
iconic waters. Conservation groups today responded to a
congressionally mandated study released
Monday that outlines eight ways to prevent the transfer of invasive
organisms between the two water bodies via Chicago-area canals built
more than 100 years ago to connect the two systems. Of all the
options studied, the groups agreed that only one—physical
separation—is effective at stopping the transfer of the various
invasive fish, parasites, grasses, algae and other organisms.
(January 7, 2014) EcoWatch [more
on Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

2013

Eurasian Boars No
Longer "Fair Game" In New York Proposed Regulations Would
Prohibit Hunting or Trapping of Wild Boars in New York New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC)
Joe Martens today announced the proposal of new regulations that
would prohibit hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boars in
New York. The proposal is designed to ensure maximum effectiveness
of DEC's statewide eradication efforts. Public comments on the
proposed regulations will be accepted until January 25, 2014.
"Eurasian boars are a great threat to natural resources,
agricultural interests, private property and public safety wherever
they occur," Commissioner Martens said. "It's important that we do
all in our power to ensure that this invasive species does not
become established in the wild anywhere in New York State." Eurasian
boars were brought to North America centuries ago and wild
populations numbering in the millions now occur across much of the
southern U.S. In recent years, wild boar populations have been
appearing in more northern states too, often as a result of escapes
from enclosed shooting facilities that offer "wild boar hunts."
December 13, 2013) The
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

NYSDEC:
Partnerships Now Span the State to Prevent the Spread of Invasive
Species State Continues to Seek Comments on Invasive Species
Regulations through December 23 Every area of the state now has a
partnership working to combat invasive species at the local and
regional level, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joseph Martens announced today. New
York State recently finalized a contract establishing the final of
eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)
in Western New York, achieving the important statewide milestone.
Each PRISM is funded by the state Environmental Protection Fund
(EPF) and has a full time coordinator. "Invasive species can have a
devastating effect, not only on the environment, but also on the
economy," Commissioner Martens said. "By partnering with
non-profits, universities and consultants, New York is establishing
one of the nation's most comprehensive approaches to invasive
species management. A regional, coordinated approach that benefits
from research, statewide education and outreach, online resources
and a robust database are critical to New York's success in managing
invasive species." December 16, 2013)
The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Recapping the 2013 Sea Lamprey Control Field Season – Larval
Assessment Unit The 2013 Sea Lamprey Control Program field
season has come to a close, and with that, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service would like to highlight and share some of the
remarkable work accomplished over the past 7-8 months. During the
field season, sea lamprey control staff based in the Marquette and
Ludington Biological Stations work around the clock and, at times,
10-day shifts in order to reduce the impacts of the invasive sea
lamprey on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Service employees work in one
of three units of sea lamprey control: larval assessment,
lampricide control, and adult assessment and barriers. Each unit
plays a different role in facilitating the decline of sea lampreys
in the Great Lakes, but collectively, they work together to keep
this voracious parasite at bay. The larval assessment unit is
responsible for finding streams and tributaries containing sea
lamprey larvae around the Great Lakes. They use electrofishing to
stimulate larvae from their burrows and estimate the sea lamprey
larval population in each infested stream. (December 2013)
US Fish And Wildlife Service [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

Forget the Asian Carp. Here’s a New Great Lakes Invasive Species to
Worry About The flying Asian carp have been making their way
into the Great Lakes. But now a new fish—the Eurasian ruffe—is
threatening to invade the region. Conservationists and wildlife
officials have
been policing the porous border between the Mississippi watershed
and the Great Lakes for years. Their main concern: preventing Asian
carp, an invasive species that has established itself in the Mississippi
River system, from invading
the Great Lakes, where the voracious eaters could cause havoc
with natives. (Not to mention knocking a few recreational boaters
out cold. Some Asian carp have a habit of launching themselves like
missiles out of the water when they hear the roar of an approaching
motorboat, as I learned
in this TIME video from 2010.) Officials haven’t had a whole lot
of luck with their containment effort, despite spending tens of
millions of dollars on the battle. A
study in October found for the first time that a subspecies of
Asian carp—grass carp—had successfully reproduced within the Great
Lakes watershed, in a tributary of a river that feeds into Lake
Erie. (December 4, 2013) Time
Magazine [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Lake George to get 24-hour guard against invasives Lake George
boat inspection loophole closes with change A loophole has been
closed in a plan to protect Lake George from further invasions by
aquatic invasive species: Inspectors will be positioned at public
boat launches next season at all times of the day and night, rather
than just at peak hours. The Lake
George Park Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to require 24/7
coverage by inspectors, something missing when it introduced the
plan this spring. Lake advocates applauded the change, saying it
ensures an infested boat could not get into the lake without
being examined. "With today's votes, the commission has moved us a
big step closer to saving our lake from the fast-spreading scourge
of invasives while we still have the chance," said Lake George
Village Mayor Robert
Blais, who is also chairman of SAVE, a coalition of
municipalities and advocacy groups around the lake. (December 3,
2013) Times Union [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

WSP Species Spotlight: Fishzilla!!!! If you are obsessed with
the show “River Monsters” or “Hooked” on the National Geographic
channel like me, you might already be familiar with this month’s
spotlight species- the Northern Snakehead! It’s one of the most
interesting yet frightening invasive species in North America I have
seen, and a top-level predator in the aquatic ecosystem. The
Northern Snakehead, scientific name Channa argus, commonly known as “Fishzilla”,
is historically native to parts of China, Russia, and Korea. If you
have seen it, you would more than likely agree it looks like it
could be straight from a horror movie! The first discovery of this
species dates back to 1977, where it was found in Silverwood Lake,
California. By 2002 it was discovered in a pond in Crofton,
Maryland, and in 2004 it was found established in the Potomac River.
It has since been found in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Massachusetts,
Arkansas and New York (Pasko & Eich). Follow this link to
view the USGS Northern Snakehead Sightings Distribution map. We need
your efforts in early detection and rapid response before/if it
begins to swim (or crawl) in the Finger Lakes! (November 1,
2013)
Happenings: the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Invasive earthworms harming Great Lakes forests DENVER –
Gardeners and farmers may love earthworms for their rich castings
and composting help, but in forests near the Great Lakes, the
creatures are alien invaders. No earthworms are
native to North America's northern forests (massive ice age glaciers
kept the land worm-free). But in the years since settlers arrived,
15 earthworm species have appeared in Minnesota, from Europe and
Asia. Some of the invasive
speciesare changing local forests, scientists have discovered.
"After these mixers come in, there's a loss in plant species," said
Kit Resner, graduate student and soil biogeochemist at the
University of Minnesota and lead study author. (October 29, 2013)
Fox News [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Federal report confirms naturally reproducing grass carp found in
Lake Erie In the past three years the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) has received increased reports of grass carp being
captured in Lake Erie by commercial fishermen. These fishermen have
also reported seeing more of this species, as well as specimens of
varying age and size indicating there may be a naturally reproducing
population in the lake. This assumption has been confirmed by a
recently released U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report. USGS has
determined grass carp, a species of Asian carp, are naturally
reproducing within the Lake Erie basin. Grass carp do not present
the same ecological risk to Michigan’s waters as bighead carp or
silver carp, although they are a species of concern because they
feed on aquatic plants and can significantly alter habitat required
by native fish. Grass carp have occasionally been found in Michigan
waters since the late 1970s. Grass carp captured in Michigan’s
waters of the Great Lakes were thought to be the result of fish
movements from other states where stocking genetically altered
(triploid) fish for aquatic vegetation control is allowed. Triploid
fish are sterilized through a heat-treating process when their eggs
are developing. Several Great Lakes states allow the stocking of
triploid fish because they believe the fish have a low probability
of reproduction, although the sterilization process may not be
100-percent effective. (October 29, 2013)
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources [more on Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian carp breed in Great Lakes, threaten fishing TRAVERSE CITY,
Mich. (AP) — Scientists said Monday they have for the first time
documented that an Asian carp species has successfully reproduced
within the Great Lakes watershed, an ominous development in the
struggle to slam the door on the hungry invaders that could threaten
native fish. An analysis of four grass carp captured last year in
Ohio's Sandusky River, a tributary of Lake Erie, found they had
spent their entire lives there and were not introduced through means
such as stocking, according to researchers with the U.S. Geological
Survey and Bowling Green State University. (October 28, 2013)
USA Today [more on
Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Tracking Asian carp by what they leave behind There’s a lot of
time, money and effort being spent to keep Asian carp out of the
Great Lakes. To keep them out, we first have to know where the carp
are. Biologists often go out and sample water from rivers and lakes
to look for carp. They test the water for genetic material, and some
of those tests have turned up positive for Asian carp. Last year, 20
samples turned up positive hits in Lake Erie. The positive DNA
hits raise alarm bells that an invasive carp species might be
establishing a population in the Great Lakes. But the presence of
carp DNA does not mean an actual fish was swimming in that area. The
genetic material could have come from somewhere else, like a bird
that eats fish, or from a boat that was once in water where the carp
are found. Researchers are looking for better ways to track whether
an actual carp is in a particular area. (October 24, 2013)
Michigan Radio [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

Pork ban in Albany: NY prohibits hunting, owning Eurasian boars
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill today that prohibits the possession,
sale and trade of Eurasian boars, claiming that the big pigs are
hurting the state's wildlife and farms. The legislation, which was
passed in Albany in June, also prohibits the hunting and breeding of
the boars, which can weigh as much as 300 pounds. But the law would
impact existing businesses: The bills says there are at least 13
indoor shooting facilities that include boar. The bill would make
the possession of the boars illegal as of Aug. 31, 2015. The bill
said that the hunting facilities can charge $350 to $1,000 per
animal to hunt. Animal-rights groups applauded the passage of the
legislation. (October 22, 2013)
Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Targeting the wild boars of New York Ban aims to curb population
explosion ALBANY – Already a major problem for farmers in the South,
wild boars are now a target of the New York State government. The
wild boar population has been increasing in New York in recent years
and state officials fear an explosion of the invasive species could
be in the works. But don’t blame the migration of wild boars from
Texas, Alabama or Florida. Instead, the boars living in the wild
here are largely escapees – and offspring – from the dozen or more
upstate hunting preserves upstate that offer guaranteed kills in
their fenced-in lands, according to federal and state agencies.
That’s about to end, as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is expected this week
to sign a law that would, at first, ban breeding and importation
and, by 2015, outright prohibit possession of the wild boar.
(October 19, 2013) Buffalo News
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Invasive emerald ash borer hurts Michigan timber sales The
devastating spread of the emerald ash borer shows no sign of slowing
and it is causing the pace of timber sales to quicken. Timber sales
are important for their contribution to the timber based industry as
well as the welfare Michigan residents, according to the Department
of Natural Resources. Michigan started seeing an infestation of
emerald ash borer in 2002, said Doug Heym, a DNR timber sales
specialist. The insect is a beetle that efficiently eats the layer
below bark, causing a lack of nutrients, or girdles a tree, leading
to its death. (October 14, 2013)
Great Lakes Echo [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Clearing up Asian carp misconceptions A recent
article in the Chicago Tribune discussing the trouble with
marketing Asian carp as food (as a way to reduce the threat they
pose to Illinois waterways) shows that there is still some
"schooling" needed on the facts about these invasive species. One of
the most common misconceptions about Asian carp, which is stated
early on in the article, is that Asian carp are “bottom-feeding”
fish: "At a maximum of 100 pounds, the slimy, bottom-feeding Asian
carp is a creature suited for science fiction…"
Though large and invasive, Asian carp are not a "bottom-feeding"
fish like catfish or other scavenger species. Instead, Asian carp
(such as the silver carp) are "filter feeders" – they collect and
feed on plankton floating in the water as they move through it. This
eating method, combined with the carp’s voracious appetite, is one
of the things that makes them particularly damaging to waterways.
Due to the volume of plankton that they are capable of eating, they
can have damaging and lasting effects on the food supply for native
and beneficial species.
(October 8, 2013)
Illinois Indiana Sea Grant [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

When it comes to ash trees, this 'emerald' is no gem You
might wonder why you should “care” about an actually quite
attractive, bright green bug. About a fifth of the trees in Monroe
County are ash, says Mark Quinn of the Monroe County Parks
Department. And once that bug, known as Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB,
infests an ash tree, it will die in two to five years. “That’s
significant; once these trees start to die, it will affect the
landscape,” Quinn said. That’s why the county parks department and
the state DEC have been spearheading a Monroe County Emerald Ash
Borer Task Force. (October 10, 2013)
Irondequoit Post [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

Regionally Speaking: Creating an Invasive Species Prevention &
Response Plan With the introduction of Hydrilla into the Finger
Lakes and other areas of New York, the full attention of the Finger
Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance, and of lake and watershed
associations throughout the region, has necessarily been drawn to
the creation and implementation of response plans to the potential
discovery of aquatic invasive species (“AIS”) in individual
waterbodies. “What happens if we discover [pick your AIS] in our
lake?” “How would we respond; what would we do if we found something
else in our lake?” As an example of the hard work that’s being done
throughout the region to create actionable response plans, what
follows summarizes the process that one watershed council followed
to build an actionable response plan for the western-most Finger
Lake. (October 1, 2013)
Happenings: the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in our
area]

WSP Species Spotlight: Bloody Red Shrimp Monitoring Project
Although there are many aquatic invasive species within the Finger
Lakes region, one particular species is fairly new to public eye.
The shrimp-like crustacean Bloody Red Shrimp (Hemimysis anomala)has
been confirmed in Seneca Lake, the Seneca-Cayuga Canal (upstream of
Seneca Falls), as well as the Erie Canal. Since the only Finger Lake
in which Bloody Red Shrimp can be found is Seneca Lake, a unique
opportunity exists for a citizen science monitoring project to track
its spread. [Watch our BRS
Video in Seneca Lake] The Finger Lakes Institute’s Bloody Red
Shrimp Monitoring Project solicits a network of dedicated volunteer
citizen scientists to keep a watchful eye for this organism’s
presence and possible spread throughout the other Finger Lakes.
Through nightly flashlight surveys and submission of a Bloody Red
Shrimp data entry form, are recruiting volunteers to assist with
early detection and rapid response of this invasive species.
(October 1, 2013)
Happenings: the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

A Skaneateles Lake success story: The milfoil removal project
The battle to stop the runaway spread of milfoil on Skaneateles Lake
has been won, said the man who helped lead the charge the past seven
years. "We're now in the maintenance phase," said Robert Werner, a
retired SUNY ESF professor whose home sits on the eastern shore of
the lake in Mandana. The successful efforts of Werner and others,
under the sponsorship of the Skaneateles Lake Association and
costing nearly $2 million, was no small accomplishment. Efforts to
control the invasive aquatic plant's spread in neighboring lakes -
Cazenovia, Otisco, Cayuga, and Owasco - have not been as complete.
The secret? "We got to it early," said Werner, who taught limnology
(the study of lakes) and ichthyology (the study of fish) at SUNY
ESF. (September 13, 2013)
Syracuse.com [more on Finger Lakes
and Invasive Species in our
area]

Regionally Speaking: Discovery of and Response to Hydrilla in Fall
Creek at the South End of Cayuga Lake In August 2011, the
aggressive invasive aquatic plant hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
was discovered to be flourishing in Ithaca’s busy Cayuga Inlet by an
intern on the Floating Classroom. She instantly knew it was a
different plant from its native look-alike Elodea. Identification
was swift, and an unprecedentedly comprehensive community response
has, over the past two years, ensured that Cayuga Inlet has been
free of hydrilla and the big problems its take-over would bring, if
it were allowed to fill the Inlet and shallow southern end of the
lake with dense 30-foot thick sponges of impenetrable vegetation.
Fishing, boating and swimming would be reduced to small mowed areas
of open water, as has become the norm in Florida where hydrilla has
taken over many lakes and waterways. (August 30, 2013)
Happenings | the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in our area]

WSP Spotlight: The Seasonal AIS Wrap Up The watercraft steward
program at the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith
Colleges is currently in its second year. The program has been a
great way for our stewards and the many people who recreate and fish
on the Finger Lakes to connect and learn more about aquatic invasive
species (AIS) in our watersheds and the potential impact these
organisms have on the region’s economy and environmental health.
Through the Finger Lakes Institute Endowment, two summer students,
Sarah DePillo and Hilary Gove, worked with the FLI staff to survey
people’s knowledge about invasive species and to organize and
promote the data collected at the launches by our stewards.
Surveying and data management are critical tasks as we seek to
determine best management practices for education and outreach about
preventing the further spread of invasive species in the Finger
Lakes. (August 30, 2013)
Happenings | the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in our area]

Northern New York Researchers, Growers Looking for Leek Moth
Northern New York – The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)
associations of Northern New York are asking growers to report any
findings of leek moth, a pest that prefers onions, garlic, chives,
shallots, leeks and other Allium crops. Cornell University and CCE
researchers working with a Northern New York Agricultural
Development Program grant to trap the pest to identify its range say
that if leek moth becomes established in the major onion production
areas of New York, the economic damage could be significant to the
$54 million industry. “The Northern New York Agricultural
Development Program grant will help us determine where leek moth is,
how fast it is spreading, and will help growers properly time
control treatments,” says Cornell Cooperative (August 29, 2013)
The Northern New York
Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

"Aquatic Hitchhikers" Campaign Warns of Invasive Species Labor
Day symbolizes the unofficial end of summer and while many are
barbecuing, others are spending the day on the water. "There's a big
fishing derby on now, and if we can catch a fish that enters, that's
great, if not, we just have a good time," said Bill Haag of Webster.
Bill Haag launches his boat from Irondequoit Bay and is well aware
of the problem of "Aquatic Hitchhikers." "They're inevitable that
they're going to be in all the waterways in the state," said Haag.
Nuisance species such as zebra muscles, Eurasian watermilfoil,
gobies and hydrilla have already impacted several state parks and
waters. The State Department of Environmental Conservation says
invasive species attach to boats and fishing equipment that has not
been cleaned, drained or dried. They also present a risk to the
ecosystem and can cause billions of dollars in economic losses.
(Sept 1, 2013) Rochester YNN
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Cornell Cooperative Extension asks for crop growers' assistance in
tracking destructive moth The Cornell Cooperative Extension is
asking growers to report any sightings of the leek moth, a pest that
feeds on onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and other Allium
crops. Cornell University and CCE researchers are working with a
Northern New York Agricultural Development Program grant to trap the
pest in order to identify its range. If the leek moth becomes
established in the major onion production areas of New York, the
economic damage could be significant to the $54 million industry,
according to researchers. The nocturnal leek moth adult is rarely
seen outside of traps. (August 30, 2013)
North Country Now [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

NY reminds boaters to fight invasive species State officials are
reminding recreational boaters to clean their boats to help prevent
spread of invasive species. Invasive species such as milfoil and
Asian clams have appeared in some New York waterways, and some of
the non-natives species can essentially hitchhike on boats. (August
29, 2013) Rochester NBC News
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

As temperatures rise, pests and invasive plants thrive Warmer
weather can lead to more insects Next time you swat at a mosquito in
early March, remember that it wasn’t always this way. Climate change
is responsible for the escalation of relatively warm days in winter,
meaning bugs of all kinds begin to stir earlier in the year than
historic norms. Mosquitoes, like most insects, are very sensitive to
changes in temperature. Their development — when they hatch, how
quickly they grow and when they die — is dependent on it. “The
insect has to accumulate so much heat energy to meet certain points
in its life cycle,” said Dan Herms, chairman of Ohio State
University’s Entomology Department. Fifty degrees is a good
approximation for most bugs. “The higher it is above that
temperature, the faster the insect grows,” he said. (August 19,
2013) Newark Advocate
[more on Climate Change and
Invasive Species in our area]

Woodpeckers Thrive by Eating Invasive Beetle If there’s any
small upside to the explosion of the emerald ash borer, an extremely
damaging invasive insect that could kill 99 percent of the ash trees
in North America, it’s this: Woodpecker populations in and around
Detroit, ground zero for the beetle, are increasing. We’re not
talking all woodpeckers in that state — according to Michigan
Audubon, there
are 11 — but rather the red-bellied, hairy and downy woodpeckers,
three common species. The red-bellied populations increased with the
influx of bugs; the hairy and downy populations initially dropped,
then rebounded and surpassed previous numbers. The study
results were published this week in the journal Biological
Invasions. (August 13, 2013) The
Weather Channel [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Ash borers cause 42 county quarantine Albany, N.Y. (AP) - New
York has expanded a quarantine on ash wood products across much of
upstate to combat the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer. The
beetle's larvae have destroyed tens of millions of trees as it's
moved steadily east from Michigan, where it was discovered in 2002.
(August 15, 2013) WHAM [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Officials hope wasps will slow spread of emerald ash borers
Officials hope they will slow spread of emerald ash borers
Parasitoid wasps and voracious beetles have begun a battle for
hegemony over a leafy walking trail southwest of Rochester. With
luck, the battle will end in a permanent draw. The wasps, three tiny
stingless varieties native to Asia, are being intentionally released
in pockets of Chili, Wheatland and Caledonia by state and federal
officials. The purpose is to slow the advance of the undesirable
beetles – emerald ash borers, the invasive pests from Asia that are
laying waste to ash trees in New York, 19 other states and two
Canadian provinces. (August 11, 2013)
Democrat and Chronicle
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Emerald Ash Borer found in Montezuma CAYUGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- More
than a week after the Emerald Ash Borer was found in Onondaga
County, evidence of the tree killing beetle has also been found in
Cayuga County. Health officials found three adult beetles at the
Hejamada Campground and RV Park in Montezuma. (August 8, 2013)
Ithaca Cortland YNN
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Regionally Speaking: Lessons Learned From Our Lake Stewards Our
Skaneateles program to help prevent the spread of invasive species
into the lake began last August. I remember well that first rain
drenched Saturday. Bob Dewitt, another Skaneateles Lake Association
member, and I sat hunkered down at the Mandana Town Launch with our
recently trained stewards, Matt Wolford and Rachel Dewitt. Both were
recent graduates of Skaneateles High School with Matt going off to
Union College in the fall and Rachel to the University of Vermont.
As the rain soaked stewards inspected a total of two boats that
whole day, I recall either Bob or I saying, “Well this is certainly
a worthwhile project.” By Labor Day last year, however, our
stewards has inspected 701 boats and removed vegetation from 6%.
The state average is between 10 and 12 % but Skaneateles has a
higher average of boaters having launched from Skaneateles Lake as
their previous body of water (521 boats). These boats are less
likely to have vegetation on them. (July 31, 2013)
Happenings - the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

WSP
Species Spotlight: 2nd Anniversary of Hydrilla in the Cayuga Inlet
This mid-August marks the two-year anniversary of the Hydrilla
verticillata detection in the Cayuga Lake Inlet by a staff member of
the Cayuga Lake Floating
Classroom (Cornell Cooperative Extension Invasive Species
Program, 2012). The Cayuga Lake Inlet is located between Treman
State Marine Park and the Route 89 Bridge in Ithaca, New York. For
those of you who are are unfamiliar with Hydrilla
verticillata, or commonly known as ‘hydrilla,’ this is an
extremely aggressive aquatic invasive that is considered to be one
of the world’s worst invasive species. In fact, infestations are
capable of altering the physical and chemical characteristics of
lakes, as it causes impacts such as producing in extremely thick
mats that obstruct recreation, block sunlight for native plants, and
decrease waterfowl feeding areas (Cornell Cooperative Extension
Invasive Species Program, 2012). Figure 1 illustrates a close up
look at this extremely hardy aquatic invasive plant that makes
recreation in a waterbody nearly impossible once it has become
established. Try swimming through that! Gross! (July 31, 2013)
Happenings - the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

$51.2 million federal plan offered to protect Great Lakes from Asian
carp Upgraded electronic barrier on Chicago canal is part of
project President Barack Obama's administration unveiled the federal
government's latest efforts on Wednesday to protect the Great Lakes
from the Asian carp, including an upgrade of an electronic barrier
in Illinois and an Indiana project that would serve as a buffer
between the Mississippi River basin and the lakes. The $51.2 million
plan, building on a 2010 initiative, will raise spending to $200
million to keep the lakes free of the invasive carp, according to
federal authorities. The strategies, known as the 2013 Asian Carp
Control Strategy Framework, are designed to stop the spread of the
carp from entering the Great Lakes, including a primary access point
in Lake Michigan. Bighead and silver carp, capable of consuming vast
quantities of plankton, have long lurked in the waters of the
Mississippi and many of its tributaries. The carp were were first
imported to fish farms in the South. Many scientists fear that if
the carp invade the Great Lakes, they could upend the world's
largest source of fresh water and harm a multibillion-dollar
fishery. The latest plans call for a new electronic control barrier
on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal south of Chicago built near a
barrier that began operating in 2002. The canal, linked to the
Chicago River, offers a pathway to Lake Michigan (August 24, 2013)
JS Online [more on
Great Lakes and
Invasive Species in our area]

Pool Owners Sought
to Participate in Citizen Science Survey to Identify Invasive
Insects Monitoring of Pool Filters for Asian Longhorned Beetles
Can Prevent Infestation and Help Protect Trees and Forests Pool
owners are invited to join in the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) second annual Asian longhorned
beetle (ALB) Swimming Pool Survey now through August 30 in order to
help keep watch for these exotic, invasive beetles before they cause
serious damage to our forests and street trees. The Citizen Pool
Survey takes place this time of year when ALBs are expected to
become adults, emerge from the trees they are infesting and become
active outside those trees. ALBs are originally from Asia and have
caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees across the
nation, particularly in maple trees in New York City, on Long
Island, in New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, Worcester, Massachusetts
and Clermont, Ohio. The state DEC Forest Health Program has
developed a simple and easy survey to track ALBs for homeowners who
have swimming pools and are willing to keep an eye out for these
insects. (July 23, 2013)
The New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Bagging a bad weed at Ganondagan Victor — A vine that may look
pretty at first blush is not so nice. Pale swallow-wort is a hearty
weed that spreads fast and as a vine, can grow over other
vegetation, strangling or shading out native plants. It is growing
in grasslands most everywhere and even in public parks and
landscaped areas. Fortunately, efforts are afoot to stamp out this
mighty menace. At Ganondagan State Historic Site, Whitney Carleton
is drumming up help from volunteers to clear the fields and forests
on the 568-acre site of pale swallow-wort. Carleton, who is
Ganondagan’s recreation and historic preservation aide, said she
welcomes anyone who wants to help. (July 21, 2013)
MPNnow.com [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Holy carp, these fish are trouble The carp are coming. And only
quick action on the part of Canadian authorities — and especially
the U.S. government — can plug this profound threat to the Great
Lakes. So says a recent report by the Toronto-based, non-partisan
environmental group Environmental Defence, whose report, Tipping the
Scales: How Canada and Ontario Can Prevent an Asian Carp Invasion of
the Great Lakes, outlines the threat and pitches recommendations on
what the group says can be done to prevent Asian carp from
establishing in the lakes. The issue is nothing new — but the window
of opportunity to act is becoming smaller, say the study’s authors.
(July 16, 2013) Saultstar.com
[more on Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

WSP Species Spotlight: Launch Reports Highlight AIS Presence The
Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (FLI)
has been awarded a second year of funding to lead an Invasive
Species Prevention project in the Finger Lakes and Great Lakes. As
part of the project, fourteen FLI watercraft stewards have been
working at boat launches throughout the Finger Lakes and at three
southern Lake Ontario bays in Monroe County to provide education
about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Stewards also collect data about types of watercraft being used on
the lakes and the numbers of watercraft entering and leaving launch
sites. According to the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation’s website, invasive species are defined as “non-native
species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or to
human health.” Species of concern in the Finger Lakes include Hydrilla,
Asian clam, Chinese mystery snail, water chestnut, bloody red
shrimp, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and round gobies, among
others. (July 1, 2013)
Happenings:the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Water Quality and
Invasive Species in our
area]

Report: Asian carp may do more harm than previously thought
Asian carp could do more damage than previously believed because the
number of Great Lakes tributaries that could provide adequate
spawning conditions for them is greater than realized, according to
a study released Tuesday by the U.S. Geological Survey. The
conclusions by Geological Survey officials are based on a three-year
study on four rivers connected with the Great Lakes — the St. Joseph
and Milwaukee connecting to Lake Michigan and the Maumee and
Sandusky connecting to Lake Erie. The results indicate Asian carp
could thrive under less restrictive conditions than scientists had
initially thought — potentially expanding the number of rivers and
streams that could be affected if the invasive species made its way
here. (June 18, 2013) The
Detroit News [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Fighting aquatic hitchhikers in the Finger Lakes Finger Lakes,
N.Y. — They're so-called aquatic hitchhikers, with names such as
Asian clams, Chinese mystery snails, spiny waterflea, bloody red
shrimp and the more commonly known zebra and quagga mussels. And
they mean trouble. During a talk and presentation Wednesday at Wood
Library to inform and rally volunteers in the fight against aquatic
invasive species, experts drove home that average citizens are
crucial to protecting the local ecosystem from non-native life
forms. (June 13, 2013) MPNnow.com
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

New battle plan against invasives Sen. Gillibrand details
federal proposal to replace a 122-year law on waterway threats
Against the backdrop of Lake George, U.S. Sen. Kirsten
Gillibrand announced a proposed new federal law Friday to combat
aquatic invasive species threatening this Adirondack gem and other
waters across the nation. The so-called Invasive Fish and Wildlife
Prevention Act would let federal wildlife officials "proscriptively
address the threat of potentially invasive species by requiring an
analysis to determine whether any non-native animal species have the
potential to become invasive and harmful," according to her office.
(June 7, 2013) Albany Times
Union [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

WSP Species Spotlight: My Lake Has Fleas? A flea inhabiting
water does not seem possible. When we think of fleas we are familiar
with those on our dogs and cats, but there are fleas in bodies of
water. Spiny water fleas, Bythotrephes (bith-o-TREH-feez) longimanus and
fishhook water flea, Cercopagis pengoi, are not pesky insects but
small crustaceans that float or drift; moving by means of water
currents. Both are aquatic invasive species inhabiting some of the
Finger Lakes. Figure 1: Adult size of the Spiny Water Flea is 3/8
inch (photo courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
The first reporting of spiny water flea in the Great Lakes was
during the early 80’s in Lake Ontario, and by 1987 it had spread
into all of the Great Lakes. Since then, it has been seen throughout
inland waters of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, and Ohio
(Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant). Originally found in Europe and
northern Asia, the spiny water flea has traveled to the United
States via ballast water from ocean barges traveling from European
ports; especially St. Petersburg port in Russia which is thought to
be the primary source. (June 1, 2013)
Happenings |the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

EPA Provides Funds to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species into
Lake George; $50,000 Provided to Purchase Boat Inspection and
Washing Stations The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
provided $50,000 to the Lake George Park Commission for the purchase
of two boat inspection and washing stations that will reduce the
threat of aquatic invasive species being introduced into the Lake
George ecosystem. The stations began operating over the 2013
Memorial Day weekend, the start of the annual boating season. An
invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to an
ecosystem and whose introduction to that ecosystem is likely to
cause economic, human health or environmental damage. Once an
invasive species such as Hydrilla has established itself in a new
ecosystem, it is extremely difficult to control its spread. Invasive
species are commonly spread to new bodies of water via recreational
boats and other recreational equipment transported among various
waterbodies. (June 7, 2013)
EPA News Releases from Region 2 [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Go
Green: Emerald Ash Borer update Noreen Riordan admires the
beauty of a healthy Ash tree, but this spring a casual look around
reveals their numbers are rapidly declining. "You'll start to see
dead trees and thinning trees, and it's really everywhere if you
just know where to look," said Riordan, who is the Co-Owner of
Summit Tree and Landscape. The Emerald Ash Borer is to blame. Their
larvae live under the bark and cut off the tree's circulation by
tunneling back and forth through its tissue. "It cuts off the
ability of the tree to move nutrients up into the canopy of the tree
to feed the leaves and, therefore, the tree dies," she said. It's
believed the green beetle was transported to the U.S. inside packing
material from China. It was first discovered in Michigan in 2002,
New York in 2009 and Rochester a year later. It's unleashed an
epidemic. (June 7, 2013)
RochesterHomePage.net [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Great Lakes event seeks more data on Asian carp Hundreds of
scientists, environmentalists, economists and government officials
from around the world are spending the week atPurdue
University to talk research on the Great Lakes. More than 600
people were expected to attend the 56th annualConference
on Great Lakes Research which is being held for the first time
on the West Lafayette campus. The event began Sunday and runs
through Thursday. The annual gathering features a variety of daily
presentations on the Great Lakes and other large lakes. Among the
topics discussed Monday was the impact of invasive species — namely
Asian carp. (June 3, 2013)
JCOnline.com [more on Invasive
Species and Great Lakes in our
area]

Keep
your eyes peeled for borers A curious fact about the invasive
emerald ash borers that are beginning to ravish local ash trees is
that it’s easy to predict the time when a new generation of the
pests will appear. That time may come today or Friday in the
Rochester area. Adult ash borers mate and lay eggs on the bark of
ash trees in late spring and early summer. The eggs hatch into
larvae in a few weeks’ time and begin boring into the tree (their
boring of connected channels known as galleries is what will disrupt
the flow of water and nutrients inside the tree and eventually kill
it). The larvae spend the winter inside the ash trees and pupate in
the spring. They complete the EAB
life cycle by morphing into winged adults and tunneling their
way out of the tree in search of mates when sufficient warming has
occurred the following spring. (May 30, 2013)
Rochester Democrat
and Chronicle 520 [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Know Your Invasive Don’t know your round
goby from your rusty crayfish? Think a bighead
carp looks an awful lot like a lake trout? If you’re one of the
thousands of Wisconsin anglers who are a little less than incisive
about your invasive species identification, fear not: The Great
Lakes Sea Grant Network and Wildlife Forever have you covered
They’ve teamed up to produce a handy invasive species field guide
called Invaders of the Great Lakes, available now from Adventure
Publications in Cambridge, Minnesota. The 171-page guide, complete
with images and detailed descriptions of headline-grabbing Great
Lakes invaders like sea lamprey and round goby and more obscure
species like the faucet snail and the threespine stickleback serves
multiple purposes. Specific sections are devoted to aquatic, plant
and invertebrates. Each species page details how the invader impacts
fishing quality as well as specific steps that can be taken to
prevent its future spread. (May 24, 2013)
University of Wisconsin
Sea Grant Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Invasive Plant Could Snarl Summer Fun Rochester, N.Y. --
Hydrilla has already caused problems around the Finger Lakes;
environmental groups fear that the invasive plant could soon appear
in this region. "The concern is that it forms dense mats which can
choke out other vegetation and fish," said Jim Howe, Executive
Director of the Nature Conservancy. "From an environmental
standpoint, that is a disaster." (May 27, 2013)
WHAM [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Emerald county With camping season set to begin, it's time to
talk firewood and its role in preventing the spread of the emerald
ash borer, a destructive invasive species that has been found in
Monroe County. Members of the Monroe County Emerald Ash Borer Task
Force are trying to reinforce a simple message: don't transport
firewood from one part of the state to another. That's a practice
essential to preventing the spread of invasive insects like the ash
borer to new parts of the state, they say. "We can stop this thing
pretty much in its tracks," says June Summers, president of the
Genesee Valley Audubon Society and a citizen member of the task
force. (May 22, 2013)
Rochester City
Newspaper [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Emerald Ash Borer
Confirmed in Delaware & Otsego Counties The Emerald Ash Borer
(EAB) has been confirmed for the first time in Delaware and Otsego
counties by the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The EAB was found just
south of the village of Unadilla in Delaware County and just north
of the village of Unadilla in Otsego County. A timber harvester
working in a private woodlot just south of Unadilla (in Delaware
County) reported the suspected EAB infestation to DEC officials.
This was the first report of a possible EAB infestation in a woodlot
from the forest products industry in New York. Field observations
and reports of suspected EAB infestations from the public are very
important to the DEC in managing the satellite infestations and
providing early-warning and response guidance to at-risk forest
owners and communities. DEC and NYSDAM staff responded to the
suspected EAB report by visiting the site and NYSDAM inspectors
collected specimens which were sent to USDA APHIS for official
confirmation. Follow-up surveys by Cornell and NYSDAM staff
identified additional suspected-infested trees just north and west
of Unadilla, in Otsego County. A NYSDAM inspector also collected
samples there and submitted them for confirmation. DEC, APHIS,
Cornell University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and
Forestry, and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets will
continue to study the infestation in the area in an attempt to
determine its extent. (May 20, 2013)
NYS DEC Press
Releases [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

DEC Announces Third
Annual Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Residents Urged to
Become Aware of Emerald Ash Borer and Report Infestations Emerald
Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week started on May 19 and will continue
through May 25, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) announced today. In observance of EAB Awareness
Week, Governor Cuomo issued a proclamation urging all New Yorkers to
exercise environmental stewardship to protect trees from infestation
that can be devastating to landscapes, habitats and forest product
industries. State residents and visitors are encouraged to learn as
much as possible about the emerald ash borer and the destruction it
causes to trees. "EAB is a destructive invasive species that
threatens the health of our forests and our goal is to educate
residents about how they can help protect our trees," said
Commissioner Joe Martens. "With Memorial Day marking the beginning
of the camping season, it is important to remind those traveling in
New York State to only use local firewood. By stopping the human
transport of this insect and increasing early detection of new
infestations, we can greatly reduce the economic and environmental
damages this pest can cause." (May 20, 2013)
NYS DEC Press
Releases [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Ash borers invading Monroe County For years, experts have warned
that emerald ash borers would someday lay waste to the Rochester
region’s vast plantation of ash trees. That day may not be far off.
Officials say all property owners in the Rochester area should now
be identifying susceptible ash trees and deciding whether to protect
them with costly insecticides or let them become infested and likely
die. The bright-green invasive Asian insects, first spotted in two
tiny pockets in the region three years ago, have now colonized ash
trees in a large swath of land from Caledonia and Wheatland through
parts of Chili, Henrietta and Rush. (May 18, 2013)
Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

WSP Spotlight Species: Asian Carp-In the Great Lakes? It was
only a few weeks ago when temperatures fluctuated, and a light layer
of snow had covered the ground one Saturday morning outside my home
in Canandaigua, NY. With the month of May beginning, it is finally
starting to feel like spring, reminding me of the approaching
spawning season for fish in Canandaigua Lake. Unfortunately, one of
most well-known threatening, invasive fish will be spawning this
summer as well; the infamous Asian Carp. They inhabit major river
systems to the west and threaten the Great Lakes basin, thereby the
Finger Lakes. (May 1, 2013)
Happenings | the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

Rapid response funding proposed to tackle invasive species threat
Invasive
species can cause environmental and economic damage, and present
a threat to the shipping, fishing and recreation industries across
upstate New York, according to Sen. Chuck Schumer. Schumer, a
Democrat, is proposing a rapid response grant program to help tackle
the issue. The proposed legislation would allow states and local
authorities to request federal grants for early detection and rapid
response when the presence, or threat, of a new aquatic invasive
species is identified. “Early detection would allow locals to hire
and train individuals that have a specific job responsibility to
find invasive species. Rapid response efforts contain and where
possible eradicate invasive species before they get their
stranglehold on the waterway,” Schumer says. (May 9, 2013)
Innovation Trail [more on
Invasive Species in our area]Team proposed to hit invasive species in NY lakes U.S. Sen.
Chuck Schumer wants the federal government to create a rapid
response team to quickly strike at invasive species nationwide,
including those found in the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and in
the Adirondacks. Schumer says the teams could address hydrilla,
Eurasian Milfoil, Asian clams and other plants and sea creatures
that do great damage to lakes once they enter from sea-faring ships.
(May 8, 2013)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Getting a jump on Aquatic Invasive Species: Great Lakes Risk
Assessment Tools The Great Lakes may span eight states and two
provinces, but the threat of new aquatic invasive species is a
constant reminder that the region is connected in more than name
alone. In the past, invasive species like zebra mussels, Asian carp,
and hydrilla have hitched rides in ballast water and on boats or
have been transported across the region to be sold in new markets.
These invaders can disrupt aquatic food webs, block out sunlight
needed by other species, and hinder commercial and recreational
fishing. And each jurisdiction can do little to curb the spread
alone. “These invasive organisms don’t stop at the border,” said
Reuben Keller, an environmental scientist at Loyola University
Chicago. “If they are introduced into one part of the region, they
will reach every state. Everyone’s risk level is the same as the
least regulated state.” (April 23, 2013)
NOAA Research [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

National Wildlife Federation expands challenge to new invasives
rules A national environmental group is expanding its legal
challenge to new state and Federal rules designed to keep invasive
species out the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. Neil Kagan,
senior counsel with the National Wildlife Federation, says new
standards aren't strict enough to keep dangerous organisms from
reaching the US in the ballast water of ships, "Neither the EPA
permit, nor the state's certification of that are sufficient to
prevent new invasive species from coming into New York waters." The
National Wildlife Federation is already suing New York, pushing the
state to adopt tougher standards. (May 6, 2013)
North Country
Public Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Asian carp invasion of Great Lakes looms While efforts are being
made to stop the invasive species, are they enough? Only time will
tell. Two boys stood at the end of a dock off the shore of Grand
Island on a hot day last July casting fishing lines into the shallow
water, time after time pulling up small rock bass from the edges of
the Niagara River. The boys are Parker and Connor Cinelli, two of
Chris Cinelli’s sons. They are waiting for their dad to finish
preparing his 2025 Lund Pro V, which Chris describes as the Cadillac
of fishing boats, before they head out onto the largest freshwater
system in the world for an afternoon of angling. (April 4, 2013)
Investigative Post
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Report: Asian Carp May Have Reached Great Lakes At least some
Asian carp probably have found their way into the Great Lakes, but
there's still time to stop the dreaded invaders from becoming
established and unraveling food chains that support a $7 billion
fishing industry and sensitive ecosystems, according to a scientific
report released Thursday. Written by experts who pioneered use of
genetic data to search for the aggressive fish, the paper disagrees
with government scientists who say many of the positive Asian carp
DNA hits recorded in or near the lakes in recent years could have
come from other sources, such as excrement from birds that fed on
carp in distant rivers. "The most plausible explanation is still
that there are some carp out there," Christopher Jerde of the
University of Notre Dame, the lead author, told The Associated Press
in a telephone interview. "We can be cautiously optimistic ... that
we're not at the point where they'll start reproducing, spreading
further and doing serious damage." (April 4, 2013)
ABC News [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Invasive pests cost Americans millions Each year invasive pests
destroy cropland and forest. Some are new, some we've been fighting
for decades. To fight them, a change in how we interact with our
environment is starting to take place. A snail as big as your foot,
an insect the size of chocolate sprinkles and a mold related to the
one that caused the Irish potato famine are on the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's list of the top pests that threaten America's crops
and forestland. The list comes out Monday. Some of the 15 are new,
some we've been fighting for decades. To attack them, "a sea change"
in how we interact with our environment is starting to take place,
says Scott Pfister, who directs the pest management department at
the USDA's plant protection and quarantine division in College Park,
Md. (April 1, 2013) USA Today
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Asian carp may be back in Lake Erie, scientists fear DNA from
Asian carp species has been found in the waters of Lake Erie,
leading scientists to worry that the invasive fish, which are
capable of seriously damaging fragile ecosystems, are back in the
Great Lake. Is the dreaded Asian carp swimming in Lake Erie again?
It’s a mystery as big as the lake. The question terrifies several
agencies in the U.S. and Canada, but one scientist says there is a
strong likelihood it is back. “We have evidence that suggests the
most likely explanation (about) how its environmental DNA got there
(in Lake Erie) is because of the presence of live Asian carp,” said
David Lodge, director of Notre Dame University’s Environmental
Change Initiative in Indiana. (March 28, 2013)
The Toronto Star [more on
Invasive Species and the
Great Lakes in our area]

CSI:
Invasives Great Lakes researchers are using new DNA techniques
to track down and control the spread of invasive species. The
techniques are sort of like what you see on all those CSI television
dramas where scientists analyze DNA left at the crime scene and use
it to prosecute the culprits. Well, not quite. Fiction is faster,
the scientists say. “What it does though, is it makes you jealous of
how they’re able to solve crimes in an hour, because it doesn’t
happen that way,” said Christopher Jerde, a professor at the Notre
Dame, which is creating a basin-wide surveillance program. “That
would be nice.” The researchers search for the DNA of an invader in
the environment, or eDNA, with techniques that may be a boon for
understanding how they enter the Great Lakes basin. (March 26, 2013)
Great Lakes Echo [more on
Invasive Species and
Great Lakes in our area]

Study: Asian carp spawn in more river areas than previously known,
showing their adaptability TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Asian carp are
reproducing in more places and under more varied conditions than
experts had believed they could, yet another reason to worry about
the greedy invader’s potential to infest waterways and crowd out
native species, scientists said Tuesday. Several varieties of carp
imported from Asia have migrated steadily northward in the
Mississippi River and its tributaries since escaping from Southern
fish farms and sewage treatment ponds in the 1970s. They’ve been
spotted in more than two dozen states. Bighead and silver carp
gobble enormous volumes of plankton, a crucial link in the aquatic
food chain, while silver carp sometimes collide with boaters by
hurtling from the water when startled. (March 19, 2013)
The Washington Post
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Panel OKs Gillbrand measure on Asian carp lake invasion A U.S.
Senate committee Thursday approved Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand’s
measure authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to take emergency
steps if there’s an imminent threat of an Asian carp invasion of the
Great Lakes. The Environment and Public Works Committee included the
measure in its reauthorization of the Water Resources Development
Act, which the panel sent to the full Senate for consideration.
(March 20, 2013) Buffalo News
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Park regulators approve herbcide for Loon Lake milfoil battle
Chestertown, NY, Mar 18, 2013 — The state Adirondack Park Agency
voted unanimously Friday to approve the controversial use of a
chemical herbicide to kill invasive plants in a lake in Warren
County. The Town of Chester plans to disperse 1,500 gallons of
Renovate OTF in the southeastern corner of Loon Lake this spring.
It's an herbicide used to kill Eurasian watermilfoil, which has
clogged waterways across the Park and has been a nuisance to boaters
and swimmers. This would be only the second time Renovate has been
used in the Adirondack Park. (March 18, 2012)
North Country
Public Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

DEC Announces
Proposed Changes to Bighead Carp Regulations to Further Protect the
Great Lakes from This Invasive Species Public Comments Accepted
Until April 22 Public comments on the proposed changes to
regulations for the import, transport, possession and sale of
bighead carp will be accepted until April 22, the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. "The
proposed regulation will ban the importation, possession and sale of
live bighead carp in New York," said Commissioner Joe Martens.
"Governor Cuomo and DEC recognize the serious threat bighead carp
pose as an invasive fish species. Millions of dollars are currently
being spent by federal and great lakes state agencies to prevent
these fish from gaining access to the Great Lakes basin via the
Mississippi River system." (March 6, 2013)
NYS DEC [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

100% of ships entering St. Lawrence Seaway had ballast water tested
for invasive species, working group says The Great Lakes Ballast
Water Working Group says that 100 percent of ships bound for the
Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence Seaway from outside the 200-mile
coastal zone last year received a ballast tank exam. The working
group has just released its 2012 Summary of Great Lakes Seaway
Ballast Water Management report. A total of 6,974 ballast tanks were
assessed during 386 vessel transits. Vessels that did not exchange
their ballast water or flush their ballast tanks were required to
either retain the ballast water and residuals on board, treat the
ballast water in an environmentally sound and approved manner, or
return to sea to conduct a ballast water exchange. (March 1, 2013)
North Country Now [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian carp DNA found around the Great Lakes, but the invasive fish
have yet to be captured CLEVELAND, Ohio - Federal and state
officials have had success in finding plentiful environmental DNA of
Asian carp in waters from the Chicago area to Western Lake Erie over
the past two years. They have yet, however, to capture a live silver
carp or bighead carp in the expansive Great Lakes. Electric barriers
on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal now block the most likely
gateway to the Great Lakes for Asian carp. Searching for the DNA of
Asian carp could determine if they have arrived. (February 26, 2013)
Cleveland.com [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Regionally Speaking: Invasive Species Prevention Program on
Skaneateles Lake To offer a regional perspective, each month the
Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance contributes an article
featuring their individual lake members and accomplishments. Over
the last century or so the Finger Lakes have faced a number of
serious threats to their ecological integrity. A major early issue
was the influx of pesticides and their residues, which accumulated
in the food chain. This was brought to the forefront by the
publication of Silent
Spring by Rachel Carson in 1962. Eutrophication was another
area of concern due to the loading of excess amounts of phosphorus
into the lakes. Both of these problems, while not completely
corrected, are being addressed and are now less of a threat than
they used to be. Currently, the most serious threat to the
integrity of lake ecosystems in the Finger Lakes is the successful
establishment of non-indigenous species. The rate at which they are
becoming established greatly exceeds the rate that one would expect
without human assistance. Consider that over the last century or so
we have added carp, alewife, lamprey, zebra mussel, quagga mussel,
round goby, Eurasian watermilfoil,Asian
clam, hydrilla,
viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), to name just a few of the
species to one or more of our Finger Lakes. We have not seen this
many new species enter the lakes since the glacier receded creating
the lakes. (February 1, 2013)
Happenings the monthly
newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

A new push against invasive pests DEC chief's visit to Lake
George Friday called an important signal LAKE GEORGE — State
Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe
Martens will be in Lake George on Friday to meet with groups
pushing local plans for a boat inspection and washing program this
summer to combat invasive species, out of concern with a state
decision to delay such a step until next year. Martens will be
attend a series of meetings expected to include elected officials
from Lake George village and town, Bolton and Queensbury; state
Sen. Betty
Little, state Assemblyman Dan
Stec; and representatives of the conservation groups Lake
George Association and Fund for Lake George. (February 21, 2013)
Albany Times Union [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

WSP
Spotlight Species: The Quagga Mussel Introduction to the Quagga
Mussel This month’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) profile spotlight
focuses on the quagga mussel,Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, a
relative to the infamous zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. As both
mussels present damaging effects on the aquatic ecosystem due to
their shared ability to quickly reproduce and adapt to various
substrates, quagga musselsare still in the process of expanding
their nonindigenous range throughout the Finger Lakes of New York.
According to USGS,
the quagga mussel inhabits five of the Finger Lakes- Canandaigua
Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Skaneateles Lake.
(February 1, 2013)
Happenings - the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes
Institute [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Quarantine expanded for tree-killing beetle Finger Lakes, N.Y. —
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has added 22 more
counties to its quarantine of the emerald ash borer. The emergency
ruling — aimed at preventing further damage from the exotic,
tree-killing beetle — will take effect May 1, 2013. The quarantine will
include all of the state south of the Thruway, and east to the state
border, except for Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk
counties and New York City. Ontario County was already under the
quarantine that places restrictions limiting the movement of ash
trees, ash products and all types of firewood. (February 11, 2013)
MPNnow.com [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

NEW YORK EMERALD ASH BORER QUARANTINE TO BE EXPANDED 22 Counties
Added To State Quarantine New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens and New
York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) Commissioner
Darrel J. Aubertine today announced that the state will propose a
revision to its Emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine order to include
all of the State south of the New York State Thruway, and east to
the state border, except for Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and
Suffolk counties and New York City. EAB is an invasive, exotic
insect that quickly kills all ash trees once it becomes established
in an area or community. It was first discovered in the U.S. in
2002 in Detroit, Michigan, and has since been found in 18 states.
This invasive tree and forest pest has killed tens of millions of
ash trees in areas where populations have become established.
Especially hard hit have been communities which have lost thousands
of mature street and park ash trees, often originally planted to
replace stately elms killed 80 years ago by another invasive pest,
Dutch elm disease. Costs to communities for removal and disposal of
dead, dying and hazardous municipal trees, and their replacement is
a challenge. (February 5, 2013)
NYS Dept. of Agriculture
and Markets [more in Invasive
Species in our area]

New York DEC to expand crackdown on Emerald Ash Borer ALBANY —
The state plans to propose a new revision to its Emerald Ash Borer
quarantine order to add areas south of the state Thruway and east to
the state border, DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens announced Tuesday.
The borer is an insect that kills ash trees in entire areas or
communities where the insect has become established. The proposed
revision would exclude Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk
counties as well as New York City. (February 5, 2013) Rochester
Democrat and Chronicle [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

A bloody-red invasion: A look at the ecology and behavior of a new
Great Lakes and Finger Lakes invasive shrimp The bloody red
mysid shrimp (Hemimysis anomala) is the most recent of a string of
aquatic invertebrates native to the Ponto-Caspian region (Eurasia)
to become established in waterways throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Mysids are a diverse group of crustaceans that all carry their
young in a brood pouch (hence the general name “opossum” shrimp) and
are typically between 3-25 mm in total length, with Hemimysis being
at the lower end of this length spectrum. Hemimysis is one of two
species of mysids currently found in the Great Lakes region. The
other species, Mysis diluviana, is native and regarded as a
plentiful and nutritious food resource for cold-water fish such as
lake trout and smaller fish that support salmonid fisheries.
(February 1, 2013)
Happenings the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Senators: Federal cooperation needed to stop spread of Asian carp
Minnesota’s U.S. senators are calling for new legislation to
help stop the spread of Asian carp up the Mississippi River.
Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced Tuesday that they
will co-sponsor the reintroduction of the Strategic Response to
Asian Carp Invasion Act, which would create a coordinated federal
response and enable the federal government to work more effectively
with state and local entities in the fight to end the spread of the
invasive species in waterways across the country. “This legislation
will ensure that we have all hands on deck to fight this invasive
species and protect our economy and our ecosystems,” Klobuchar said
in a statement. (January 30, 2013)
WinonaDailyNews.com
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Price tag for preventing carp infestation rises Millions more
dollars will be spent this year on trying to keep Asian Carp and
other aquatic invasive species from moving between the Mississippi
River and Great Lakes basins. Millions more dollars will be spent
this year on trying to keep Asian Carp and other aquatic invasive
species from moving between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes
basins. Even bigger spending decisions are nearing, however. An
electronic barrier in a Chicago canal is just one of several
short-term attempts in place to reduce travel of unwanted species
betwen the Mississippi and the Great Lakes. More politicians are
talking about permanently separating the two Basins in the Chicago
area, a long-term project with a huge pricetag. Milwaukee Mayor Tom
Barrett chairs a group of mayors along the Great Lakes and Saint
Lawrence seaway. Barrett told a Detroit public television forum that
the main sticking point is: Who'd pay the basin separation bill?
(January 17, 2013)
Superior Telegram
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Scientists tackle tiny fly that's big trouble for berry growers
A tiny fruit fly, native to Asia, has become big trouble for
raspberries, strawberries, cherries and blueberries coast to coast
in the U.S. So Cornell researchers are zeroing in on ways to combat
the invasive spotted wing drosophila -- SWD for short. SWD is poorly
understood and highly destructive. "That's a terrible combination,"
says Julie Carroll, the fruit integrated pest management (IPM)
coordinator for the New York State IPM Program, based at the New
York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) in Geneva, N.Y
(January 4, 2013) Cornell
Chronicle Online [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

WSP Report- The Fall of the Turions: Invasive European frog-bit
European frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae is a non-native,
dioecious free-floating plant native to Asia and Europe and
introduced to North America in 1932 as a potential ornamental plant
for an arboretum in Ottawa, Canada. By 1939, transported by water
movement, birds, boats, and humans, it was found growing wild in the
Rideau Canal (Zhu, Eppers, & Rudstam, 2008). Over time, it traveled
east to the Island of Montreal via the Ottawa River, and could be
found down the St. Lawrence River and along the Canadian shores of
Lake Ontario. By the 1990’s it had spread into New York State waters
south of the St. Lawrence River (Charles R. Oneill, 2007). European
frog-bit prefers to grow well in sheltered coves and along still
water shorelines of rivers, lakes, and streams (ISSG, 2005). As
shown by the map below, the invasion of European Frog-bit has
continued to spread. (January 1, 2013)
Happenings the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

2012

Town of Greece gets $78,000 tree grant The town of Greece has
been awarded a $78,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service in order
to plant as many as 200 new trees. According to the town, the trees
will replace ash trees that are susceptible to infestation
of the emerald ash borer. As part of the town’s ongoing emerald
ash borer management plan, 200 ash trees along water bodies in
northern Greece will be removed and ground into mulch by town crews.
The emerald ash borer is an Asian beetle that infests and kills
North American ash species, including green, white, black and blue
ash. Most trees die within four years of becoming infected by the
pests. According to the state Department of Environmental
Conservation, more than 50 million trees in the U.S. have been
killed by the bugs since they were discovered in Michigan in 2002.
(December 6, 2012) Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Freezing Out the Invasive Asian Clam Originally found in South
East Asia, the Asian Clam Corbicula fluminea was likely brought to
the West Coast of North America by either ballast water or as an
imported food source in the 1930s. Since being discovered as an
established species in Washington’s Columbia River in 1938,Corbicula
fluminea has spread across the continental United States dispersing
through drainages, with current establishment in approximately 44
states. New York waterways that have confirmed a presence of Asian
clam include the Erie Canal; the Canandaigua Lake Outlet;
Canandaigua, Keuka, Otisco, Owasco and Seneca Lakes of the Finger
Lakes; the Hudson River from Troy to Newburgh; the Wallkill River;
the Champlain Canal near Fort Edwards; Lake George; Massapequa Lake;
and the Massapequa Reservoir on Long Island in addition to numerous
streams and ponds.[1] (December 3, 2012)
Happenings the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Going Green: Invasive species You’re going to see more signs
like this posted at boat launches around New York State as the state
combats the spread of invasive plants and wildlife. “So it will be
contingent upon a boat owner to make sure they’re not taking water
from one lake to another, not having invasive water plants attached
to their trailer, plus they need to drain live wells and make sure
they’re not transporting things in bilge water. All of these are
well documented ways in which things like zebra mussels and a number
of other aquatic species have moved around,” said Dr. Dylan Parry, a
SUNY ESF professor. (November 19, 2012)
YNN [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Battle broadens against invasives in Lake George Lake George,
NY, Oct 24, 2012 — Lake George is a battleground once again as the
fight against invasive Asian clams broadens. And that fight has
implications for the rest of the Adirondack Park. Lake George is
known for its crystal clear water, and the invasive clams can cause
algae blooms and lower water quality significantly. $1.5 million
has been spent over the last two years to eradicate the
fast-breeding mollusks. But Asian clams have now been found in eight
different areas on the 32-mile-long lake. A broad coalition is
seeking more money, and more help. (October 24, 2012)
North Country
Public Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Kids study water levels' effects on invasive species at Eel Bay
Oct 24, 2012 — Construction of the giant hydropower dam near Massena
in the 1950s forever tamed the once wild St. Lawrence River. It
allowed engineers to harness the river's natural ebb and flow for
energy production and to protect homes and ports at the same time.
But in the process, it hurt the indigenous plants and animals that
depend on those highs and lows to survive. The environmental group
Save The River has been leading a charge to persuade the agency that
controls water levels to return more natural ebbs and flows to the
St. Lawrence. One way is by giving the younger generation of River
residents a hands-on lesson. (October 24, 2012)
North
Country Public Radio [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Ash trees continue to hurt from beetle LANSING — The threat from
a metallic green beetle continues to spread throughout ash trees in
the Great Lakes region. Many ash already are dropping leaves or
changing color earlier this year than usual — both mechanisms that
trees use to cope with drought, said Deborah McCullough, a forest
entomologist at Michigan State University. "It's possible some
insect populations could increase next summer as a result of this
year's drought, but that is just really hard to predict," she said.
(October 11, 2012) Traverse City
Record Eagle [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Few options for control of spiny water flea Burlington, VT, Oct
08, 2012 —Discovery of the spiny water flea in Lake George has
heightened worries that the invasive species will eventually move
into Lake Champlain. And it's brought new attention to the danger
of the Champlain Canal, an open waterway between Lake Champlain and
the Hudson River. (October 8. 2012) (October 8, 2012)
North Country
Radio [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Two
colleges get funding to study invasive fish in the great lakes
WASHINGTON - SUNY Buffalo State College will receive $99,756 from
the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative. Specifically, Buffalo State will assess the invasive
potential for high-risk Ponto-Caspian fish from European shipping
ports. The college will then assess Great Lakes ports to identify
high-risk locations and time periods that are a strong habitat match
for these high-risk invasive fish. This data will be used to focus
surveillance and early detection efforts for invasive Ponto-Caspian
fish likely to adapt to the waters of the Great Lakes. Cornell
University will receive $227,484 from the EPA. Specifically, Cornell
will increase efforts by government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations in the Lake Ontario region to communicate with anglers
and boaters about the risks that invasive species pose to the Great
Lakes (October 3, 2012)
Empire State News
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Carp DNA found in 2nd bay of Lake Erie State officials keep
finding Asian-carp DNA in Lake Erie but have yet to find the
invasive fish. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported
yesterday that the DNA of silver carp, one of four Asian-carp
species, was detected in three of 350 water samples taken from
Maumee Bay. On Aug. 28, the agency reported finding silver-carp DNA
in 20 of 150 samples taken from Sandusky Bay. State and federal
officials took the samples from the bays in July after an initial
round of water samples detected carp DNA in both. (September 27,
2012) The Columbus Dispatch
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Combating sea lamprey on Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, NY, Sep 19,
2012 — If you're fishing for salmon or lake trout in Lake Champlain,
you might end up with a fish you didn't bargain for. Sea lamprey are
parasitic fish that look like eels. They latch on to larger fish and
slowly drain out their body fluids. Lamprey can decimate entire fish
populations. Every four years the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
with help from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and New
York's DEC, treats Lake Champlain tributaries with pesticides to
control lamprey populations. This year's first treatment took place
last week in the Saranac River delta in Plattsburgh. (September 19,
2012) North Coast
Public Radio [more in Invasive
Species in our area]

Going Green: Emerald ash borer Ash trees are under a death
threat because of an invasive species. "The emerald ash borer is
going to cause the demise of ash in North America, and it travels
around mostly through private people moving firewood," explained Dr.
Melissa Fierke, SUNY-ESF. New York will soon have a new system of
fines and penalties for transporting or possessing invasive species,
which will range from $200 to $2,000. It’s to prevent movement so
importation, possession or purchasing or anything within the
horticulture industry or with private people that are moving things
around. (September 17, 2012)
YNN [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian Carp & the Great Lakes: Industries worry about basin
separation (Part 2) The issue of keeping Asian carp out of the
Great Lakes has implications for a variety of industries. Midwest
officials are weighing a range of options, including severing the
connection between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. In
the second part of our series on Asian carp, Adam Allington examines
the potential economic implications for keeping the carp out of the
lakes now, and in the future: It’s a scorching hot day in East St.
Louis, Illinois. Down by the Mississippi River a tugboat is pushing
a flotilla of six light green barges. This 70-mile stretch of river
is one of the busiest inland ports in America—a place where grain,
aggregate and steel are loaded and shipped up and down the river.
(September 11, 2012)
Michigan Radio [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Hitchhikers Not Allowed! This summer I was given the incredible
opportunity to work on the brand new Finger Lakes Institute
Watercraft Steward Program which is an effort focused on preventing
the spread and introduction of invasive species and educating the
public on the issue throughout the Finger Lakes region and on Lake
Ontario. My specific role in the program included acting as a
coordinator for the stewards, maintaining the program blog, and
collecting and analyzing data that was initially collected by the
stewards. As a William Smith Student working towards a degree
focused in Environmental Policy, the watercraft steward program
provided solid experience and insight into the nature and challenges
of environmental policy on a local and regional level.
(September 2, 2012)
Happenings - the
monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Asian carp threaten balance in the Great Lakes “Jaws,” the 1970s
horror classic, lured record audiences into theaters and sent
terrified beach buffs scurrying out of the water. Fortunately,
freshwater rivers and lakes offered water-lovers a refuge from any
menacing creatures lurking beneath the surface. Times have changed.
On a clear autumn day in 1994, Marcy Poplett was idling her personal
watercraft on the Illinois River and enjoying the gold and auburn
leaves along the shore when a silver carp leapt from the water and
smacked her between the eyes. Unconscious and bleeding profusely,
she fell off the craft and began drifting downstream in the current.
She revived just in time to see a towboat headed toward her. The
towboat’s horn blasted a warning and a nearby boater rescued
Poplett, who suffered multiple injuries including a concussion and a
broken nose. (September 1, 2012)
Toledao Free Press
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Exotic pest attacking hemlock trees Finger Lakes, N.Y. — The
state Department of Environmental Conservation announced today an
exotic pest, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae), is expanding
its attack on forests. The insect has been found in 29 counties
including in the Finger Lakes region. On Aug. 20, the insect was
confirmed in Schenectady County. (August 28, 2012) [more on
Recycling in our area)
MPNnow.com [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Fish barrier vs. carp DNA: What to believe? More than $100
million has been spent in a battle to keep Asian carp from invading
the Great Lakes. It is a fight the federal government insists it is
winning, due largely to its electric barrier system on the Chicago
Sanitary and Ship Canal. But is the evidence that these
fish-shocking machines work any more reliable than the DNA evidence
indicating Asian carp may have already breached them? (August 25,
2012) JSOnline [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Chicago canal not the only possible carp invasion route The
fight against an Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes so far has
been mostly focused on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, an
artificial link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River
basin. There are 18 other potential connections between the Great
Lakes and Asian carp-infested Mississippi River basin stretching
from northern Minnesota to western New York, though they are
considered medium- to low-risk for a carp invasion because the
connections are vastly smaller, farther from existing carp
populations or typically occur only when big floods hit. (August 21,
2012) JSonline [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Attack of the killer carp After a thousand-plus kilometre
invasion and destruction of U.S. ecosystems, Asian carp are now
poised to enter Canada’s Great Lakes—where they could unleash
incalculable and irreversible damage. Inside the desperate fight to
stop the swarm. (August 15, 2012) This
Magazine [more on Invastive
Species in our area]

Leahy to NY: Close canal to block invasive species MONTPELIER,
Vt. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont called Monday for the
state of New York to close parts of the Champlain Canal, saying the
step was needed to prevent the spread of another invasive species
north into the lake. New York officials once again rejected the
idea, citing economic reasons. At a news conference on the
Burlington waterfront with scientists from the University of Vermont
and St. Michael's College, Leahy said the latest threat to the lake
and its ecosystem comes from the spiny water flea, a half-inch-long
barbed creature that can outcompete other species in the lake that
are better food for its fish populations. (August 1, 2012)
WAVY.com [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Protect New York's Waterways and
Natural Habitat from Invasive Species | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to protect New
York's waterways and natural habitat from the devastating
environmental effects of invasive species. "This new law will give
the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of
Agriculture and Markets the tools they need to protect our state's
ecology from the harm that invasive species can cause," Governor
Cuomo said. "This legislation ensures that the regulations governing
invasive species are appropriate for New York's farming community
and plant nurseries, while also protecting the environment. I
commend the bill sponsors for their work on this legislation."
Invasive species threaten New York's environment by out-competing
native species, diminishing biological diversity, and changing whole
ecosystems. Invasive species are widely available in commerce for
landscaping and aquaria, and include species such as Hydrilla, an
aggressive aquatic invader that chokes out native plants, clogs
water intakes and impedes recreation. Other invasive species, such
as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, can
devastate New York's timber and forest products industry. Millions
of dollars are spent annually in the United States to control such
species. (July 24, 2012)
Newsroom |
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Lake Erie - Six water samples test positive for Asian carp DNA
Federal and state wildlife officials working in conjunction with
academic researchers announced six water samples taken from Sandusky
and north Maumee bays in Lake Erie tested positive for the presence
of Asian carp environmental DNA in Michigan and Ohio waters. If the
carp find their way into Lake Erie, it could affect the fishing and
boating industries and the local economy, said Sandy Bihn, executive
director for Lake Erie Waterkeeper, Inc. “The Asian Carp would
gobble up the food that walleye, yellow perch and bass eat. Without
food, these key sport fish would rapidly dwindle,” Bihn said.
(July 19, 2012) The
Press [more on Invastive
Species in our area]

Report: Asian carp could reach all Great Lakes Fewer fish than
previously thought are needed to populate the lakes. TRAVERSE CITY,
Mich. -- Asian carp could find enough food and breeding areas to
reach all five of the Great Lakes within 20 years if allowed to gain
a foothold, according to a scientific report. The risk analysis by
U.S. and Canadian researchers said just 10 mature females and even
fewer males could establish a population in the lakes, assuming they
find rivers suitable for spawning. Previously, some officials have
said hundreds of the carp probably would be needed to launch a
successful invasion. (June 16, 2012)
Home -
southbendtribune.com [more on
Invastive Species in our area]

Ontario unveils plan to combat invasive species | www.citizen.on.ca
| Orangeville Citizen Ontario has developed a plan to combat
invasive species in order to protect the province's environment and
its economy. The Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, released
last week, outlines Ontario's approach to the prevention, early
detection, and rapid response to new invasive species and the
effective management of existing invasive species like round goby,
zebra mussels and the emerald ash borer. Invasive species are
species that come from other countries or regions and threaten the
environment, economy or society by disrupting local ecosystems. They
are the second greatest threat to Ontario's biodiversity after
habitat loss. (July 12, 2012)
Front Page | www.citizen.on.ca |
Orangeville Citizen [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Schumer: Fast track fight against armyworms - Canandaigua, NY -
MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said today
he is urging the U.S Department of Agriculture to place the armyworm
on the priority list of pests because of the devastation the insect
is causing this year to grass and related crops. Schumer asked that
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) produce a
report with updated guidance for controlling the pest, which would
be helpful to those farmers and residents currently experiencing
trouble with armyworms; it should also help prevent new invasions of
the pest. (June 9, 2012)
Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

5 States To Continue Suit Demanding Asian Carp Fix « CBS Detroit
TRAVERSE CITY (AP) – Five states are continuing a lawsuit against
the federal government demanding action to prevent Asian carp from
reaching the Great Lakes, despite recent congressional action.
Legislation approved last month requires the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to complete a plan for shielding the lakes from the
invasive carp within 18 months. A quicker timetable was one of the
requests in the suit filed in 2010 by Michigan, Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. (July 5, 2012)
CBS Detroit [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

FLI Secures Funding for Invasive Species Research and Outreach |
Happenings by Dr. Lisa Cleckner, Finger Lakes Institute
Watercraft Steward Project Director and Finger Lakes Institute
Director The Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William
Smith Colleges has received $165,000 in funding for aquatic invasive
species projects currently being conducted in the Finger Lakes and
Great Lakes ecosystems. Through this funding, the FLI is leading a
watercraft steward program at several boat launches in the eastern
Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. The goal of the program is to educate
boaters and other recreational watercraft users about non-native
species and how important it is to check, clean, and dry vessels
when entering and leaving waterbodies to prevent further spread. The
watercraft steward program was launched in late May 2012.
(July 1, 2012)
Happenings | the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute
[more on Invastive Species in
our area]

NorthumberlandNews Article: Asian carp could invade Northumberland
Lake Ontario waters Invasive species could starve off native
fish | NORTHUMBERLAND -- Lake Ontario could be under an invasion.
Asian carp could be making their way into Canadian waters in the
near future, which could devastate Ontario's native fish species.
"The Asian carp could starve off our native species of fish," said
John Cooper, spokesman for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
"Our concern is Asian carp primarily eat plankton, and a number of
young native species rely on plankton while growing up, such as
walleye, yellow perch, pike and others." (June 15, 2012)
NorthumberlandNews Home
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Ballast blaster: Repelling invaders with sound | Great Lakes Echo
Foreign plants and animals that threaten the Great Lakes ecology
could soon be blown apart by ultrasound. A new device is designed to
kill such invasive species lurking in the ballast tanks of ships.
Known as the BallastSolution, it kills invaders by blasting with
sound the water entering and leaving a ship’s ballast. Ballast water
is pumped on and off ships to stabilize them for varying loads of
cargo. It has brought invasive species into the Great Lakes for
decades. The zebra and quagga mussels, and the round goby were
introduced in this way, wreaking havoc on native species. The annual
cost of controlling these species is in the millions. (June 6,
2012) Great Lakes Echo -
Environmental news across the basin [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Slaughter trying to curb entry of invasive species | NY Daily Record
Yesterday evening, the Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of
2012 (H.R. 5864) was introduced by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and
a bipartisan group of nine original co-sponsors to prevent the
import of harmful, non-native fish, wildlife, and wildlife diseases.
This legislation would strengthen the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service’s (FWS) ability to designate animals as “injurious,” which
cannot be imported or shipped between states without a permit. The
legislation would empower the FWS to become proactive rather than
reactive in its listing and restriction process, and stop harmful
invasive fish and wildlife from ever arriving at U.S. shores.
Original co-sponsors are Reps. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Sam Farr
(D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Dale Kildee
(D-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Charles
Rangel (D-NY), and Mike Rogers (R-MI). (June 1, 2012)
EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the
Grassroots Environmental Movement [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

DEC: Second Annual
Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Starts May 20 - NYS Dept. of
Environmental Conservation Governor Cuomo Signs Proclamation to
Encourage Residents to Learn About Emerald Ash Borer and Report
Infestations to DEC Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week will be
held from May 20 - May 26, 2012 to encourage state residents and
visitors to become better educated about the emerald ash borer and
the destruction it causes to trees, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. In observance of
EAB Awareness Week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation
urging all New Yorkers to exercise environmental stewardship to
protect trees from infestation that can be devastating to
landscapes, habitats and forest product industries. (May 18,
2012) Press
Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more
on Invasive Species in our
area]

Sterilizing That Blasted Ballast - NYTimes.com The challenge is
not trivial: of the 59 invasive species known to have colonized the
Great Lakes since the 1950s, for example, about half are likely to
have arrived in the ballast discharges of border-crossing vessels.
Annually, invasive species introduced by ballast cost an estimated
$130 million in damage in the Great Lakes alone. New rules aim to
alleviate the problem. Under the Coast Guard’s
new
regulations, which reflect those issued by the United Nations
International Maritime Organization and the Environmental Protection
Agency, most ships built after December 2013 that enter United
States waters will have to contain an approved onboard ballast
treatment system. (May 17, 2012)
The New York Times - Breaking
News, World News & Multimedia [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Army
Corps plans to speed up action to protect Great Lakes; Rep. Higgins
pleased NEW YORK - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide
Congress and the public the opportunity to identify a potential
permanent Asian carp solution by next year, much earlier than
initially expected. The Army Corps is currently conducting a Great
Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS). Completion of
the feasibility study was not anticipated until 2015. In February,
Congressman Brian Higgins (D-27) and other members of the
Congressional Great Lakes Task Force sent a letter to the Army Corps
of Engineers calling on the agency to expedite the timeline for
action. (May 10, 2012)
New
York State News on the Net! [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

New threat emerges on Asian carp - Toledo Blade WINDSOR, Ont. --
While the battlefront in the war to keep the Asian carp out of the
Great Lakes has been in the canals near Chicago or in the marshy
area outside Fort Wayne, trucks loaded with thousands of the
destructive invasive species likely have been rolling down the
interstate highways of Ohio and Michigan, headed for the Ambassador
Bridge in Detroit that connects the United States and Canada. Since
the first of the year, Ontario officials have seized three shipments
of live Asian carp, totaling more than 23,000 pounds, that
apparently were headed for markets in Toronto. Since late 2010, six
loads of live Asian carp have been seized at the border.
(April 8, 2012) Home - Toledo
Blade [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

US official skeptical of closing locks to bar Asian carp | Minnesota
Public Radio News BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Some people call John
Goss the "Asian Carp Czar." He doesn't embrace the title. "That's a
term of non-endearment I think," Goss said. "I'm a coordinator to do
the comprehensive effort to stop the Asian carp from becoming
established in the Great Lakes." Goss is the Obama administration's
top official working on the problem of invasive Asian carp. He was
in Bloomington, Minn., Thursday for a meeting of the Asian Carp
Regional Coordinating Committee. Goss, along with other federal and
state officials, agree the carp pose a threat to native wildlife in
Minnesota's rivers. But Goss indicated he is skeptical the latest
proposal would work to stop the fish's spread. (April 5, 2012)
Minnesota
Public Radio News [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Scientists play down price tag on invasive species in Great Lakes
A new U.S. report says foreign species carried into the
Great Lakes by ships are causing tens of millions of dollars in
damage to the ecosystem. However, Canadian experts are questioning
the figures, saying you cannot easily put a price on damages caused
by invasive species. While they say the problem is real, the lakes
are in no danger of dying anytime soon. (March 29, 2012)
The Gazette
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

New bill in Congress would include WI rivers in keeping Asian carp
out of Great Lakes - WTAQ News Talk 97.5FM and 1360AM WASHINGTON
(WTAQ) - A new bill in Congress would include Wisconsin rivers in
the federal government’s strategy to keep the invasive Asian carp
out of the Great Lakes. The bill was introduced Tuesday by House
members and senators from neighboring Minnesota. Their main goal is
to stop the bloated carp from swimming up the Mississippi River
beyond the Twin Cities area. But it would also set aside $50 million
in federal tax dollars for Minnesota and its neighbors to use in
controlling the spread of the Asian carp. And it would require the
government to include all rivers north of Illinois in its strategy
to fight the carp, instead of just focusing on the Great Lakes.
(March 7, 2012) WTAQ News Talk 97.5FM and
1360AM [more on Invasive
Species in our area]

Asian carp seized at border The Ministry of Natural Resources is
investigating another large border discovery of Asian carp, an
invasive species commercial fishermen have said could be
catastrophic if they spread into the Great Lakes. A ministry
conservation officer was contacted Tuesday night by the Canada
Border Services Agency about a truckload of fish coming from the
United States that had 14,000 pounds of Asian carp, ministry
spokesman John Cooper said late Wednesday afternoon. The
investigation continues and no charges have been laid, he said
(March 1, 2012)
Windsor Star | Latest Breaking News | Business | Sports | Canada
Daily News [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

New York Pursues
Uniform, National Ballast Water Requirements - NYS Dept. of
Environmental Conservation In comments filed today with the
Environmental Protection Agency, DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens
indicated that New York will pursue a uniform, national ballast
water standard that will leave in place the EPA's current standards
in New York for the remainder of EPA's current Vessel General Permit
through December 2013. "New York remains concerned about the
introduction and spread of invasive species in the state's waterways
and we hope that a strong national solution can be achieved," DEC
Commissioner Joe Martens said. "At the same time, shipping and
maritime activity is critical to New York state and international
commerce. A technically feasible national standard which recognizes
the critical economic role played by our waterways is the only
viable way to address the spread of destructive aquatic invaders
through ballast water." (February 27, 2012)
Press Releases -
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more in
Invasive Species in our area]

Canada Applauds NY on BWT Decision Government of Canada applauds
New York State for withdrawing its ballast water requirements.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure
and Communities, Pierre Poilievre, welcomed yesterday’s decision by
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC)
to remove a threat to shipping on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence
Seaway System. In a press release issued yesterday, NYDEC
Commissioner Joe Martens — recognizing that shipping and maritime
activity are critical to New York State and international commerce —
agreed to a national approach to ballast water regulation in the
United States. (February 24, 2012)
Maritime News, Maritime
Reporter, Marine News, Shipbuilding [more in
Invasive Species in our area]

New York Pursues
Uniform, National Ballast Water Requirements - NYS Dept. of
Environmental Conservation DEC Will Work with Other States and
Stakeholders to Advocate a Strong National Standard In comments
filed today with the Environmental Protection Agency, DEC
Commissioner Joseph Martens indicated that New York will pursue a
uniform, national ballast water standard that will leave in place
the EPA's current standards in New York for the remainder of EPA's
current Vessel General Permit through December 2013. "New York
remains concerned about the introduction and spread of invasive
species in the state's waterways and we hope that a strong national
solution can be achieved," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "At
the same time, shipping and maritime activity is critical to New
York state and international commerce. A technically feasible
national standard which recognizes the critical economic role played
by our waterways is the only viable way to address the spread of
destructive aquatic invaders through ballast water." (February
22, 2012) Press
Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on
Invasive Species in our area]

Taking the bait to save the great lakes As Asian carp creep
closer to the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River basin several
prominent senators from the region are urging the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to finish a five-year study on the matter. The federal
agency is conducting the study to determine whether a permanent
hydraulic separation would prevent the invasive species from
spreading into the lakes. (February 21, 2012)
Homepage » Tonawanda News [
more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Scientist: Asian carp would thrive in Lake Erie If the Asian
carp reaches Lake Erie in large numbers, it may be coming to stay. A
new research article co-authored by a government fish scientist in
Erie County predicts the Asian carp would be able to reproduce in
large numbers in Lake Erie and its tributaries. The study sounds the
alarm about what might happen if the invasive fish makes it into
Lake Erie, said Patrick Kocovsky, a research fishery biologist at
the U.S. Geological Survey's Lake Erie Biological Station at NASA
Plum Brook Station. (1/23/2011)
Sandusky Register
[more on Invasive Species in
our area]

Dollars continue to flow for Asian carp control PORTAGE |
Federal and state officials said Thursday that Asian carp control
efforts in the Great Lakes would continue this year with
congressional commitments to maintain funding similar to the
previous fiscal year. U.S. Asian carp czar John Goss said efforts
such as environmental DNA sampling, research on fish habits and
rapid response fish catches so far are proving effective in stopping
Asian carp from gaining a foothold in the Great Lakes. Goss spoke
Thursday at the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee's first
Indiana public meeting this year. (January 12, 2012)
nwitimes.com [more on
Invasive Species in our area]